PM Modi Reaffirms Support for Farmers with New Initiatives

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced new measures to empower India's agricultural sector. Key policies include reducing export duty on onions and increasing import duty on edible oils to improve farmers' livelihoods. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan praised these steps, emphasizing their positive impact on rural employment and crop prices.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday reinforced the central government's dedication to boosting India's agricultural sector, unveiling initiatives designed to enhance farmers' livelihoods. In a social media post, PM Modi stated that recent policy changes, including the reduction of export duty on onions and the increase of import duty on edible oils, are set to financially benefit food producers while generating new employment opportunities in rural regions.

PM Modi's post was accompanied by a message from Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. 'We are leaving no stone unturned for our farmer brothers and sisters who labor tirelessly for the nation's food security. Key decisions like reducing onion export duty and increasing edible oil import duty will significantly benefit our producers by increasing their income and creating rural jobs,' Modi affirmed.

Chouhan elaborated on several measures undertaken by the Union government to aid farmers and advance agricultural development. 'Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a farmer-friendly leader. Agriculture and farmer welfare are top priorities for the Modi government, which has made pivotal decisions in the interest of our farmers,' Chouhan said in a social media post.

The government has raised the basic duty on refined oil to 32.5 percent, a move expected to boost demand for mustard, sunflower, and groundnut crops, thereby improving farmers' earnings and spurring the establishment of refineries in rural areas. Additionally, onion export duty has been cut from 40 to 20 percent to improve prices for onion farmers and enhance exports. Chouhan explained that this would not just benefit farmers but also other sectors linked to onions.

Another significant policy change is the removal of the minimum export duty on Basmati rice, aimed at ensuring better prices for Basmati farmers and increasing export demand. Chouhan noted that the Modi government's decision reflects its commitment to farmer welfare. Furthermore, the import duty on edible oils has been raised from 0 to 20 percent, effectively reaching 27.5 percent with additional measures, expected to increase soybean prices and encourage domestic purchases by oil manufacturers.

Union Agriculture Minister Chouhan extended heartfelt thanks to PM Modi for these critical decisions, underscoring their positive impact on farmers and the export sector. 'Thanks to respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji for this important decision,' Chouhan concluded.

(With inputs from agencies.)