Page 31 - NIS English 1-15 June, 2026

Farmer Empowerment Cover Story

Years
of Vikas Yatra

The Foundation of Aatmanirbhar Bharat

Self-reliant agriculture is the fundamental pillar of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Whether it is giving Shree Anna (millet) a global
identity, increasing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) to ensure farmers receive one-and-a-half times the cost of production,
or working towards doubling farmers’ income, these are not merely promises but the government’s firm commitment. Over the
past 12 years, policies and initiatives aimed at developing agriculture like an industry have paved the way for the economic
empowerment of farmers. By identifying sectors where India was dependent on imports and taking decisive steps toward self-
reliance, the nation is moving forward with the vision: empowered farmers, prosperous nation.

National Agriculture Market (e-NAM)
By March 2026 Additionally, over
1,656 1.80

mandis (wholesale crore farmers, 2.73 lakh Shri Anna – In 2018, highlighting the significance of
millets (Shri Anna), PM Modi proposed a resolution at the
markets) were traders, and 4,724 Farmer- United Nations, which subsequently declared 2023 as the
integrated across 23 Producer Organisations International Year of Millets.
states and 4 union (FPOs) registered on the n In the year 2024-25, production reached
territories. e-NAM platform.
approximately 18.59 million tonnes. With this
n Between 2016 and March 2026, a total trade volume achievement, India secured the top position globally
of 13.25 crore metric tonnes was recorded, with a in millet production. Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and
cumulative value of ₹4.84 lakh crore. Karnataka made major contributions in this regard.

n The trade value surged from ₹3.19 lakh crore in 2024 Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maand-
to ₹4.84 lakh crore in 2026, reflecting the growing
scale and deepening market integration. han Yojana (PM-KMY)
Under this scheme, 24.95 lakh farmers
n As of March 2026, agricultural produce amounting have been enrolled as of February 2,
to 204.76 lakh metric tonnes was traded in the 2026, thereby providing the
recent period, demonstrating sustained operational benefits of social security to
momentum.
small and marginal farmers.
n Under the mobile-based price information services
facilitated through the e-NAM app, 247 commodities Crop Insurance Protection
have been covered. n 4.19 crore farmers were insured under the Pradhan
Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) during the year
2024-25, covering an area of 6.2 crore hectares.

n Claims exceeding ₹1.90 lakh crore have been
disbursed from the year 2016-17 up to March 2026.
Over 86 crore applications for crop insurance were
received during this period.
n Coverage has witnessed a 32 percent increase
compared to the year 2022-23, thereby further
strengthening protection against climate- and market-
related risks.

June 1-15, 2026 || NEW INDIA SAMACHAR 29