Highlights export opportunity in fisheries at post-Budget webinar
07 March, 2026 – New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday highlighted the shifting global demand and the necessity of making Indian agriculture sector export-oriented.
Addressing a post-Budget webinar on the theme of ‘Agriculture and Rural Transformation’ via video-conferencing, he highlighted the need for full utilisation of India’s diverse climate conditions to increase productivity and export strength. “Export-oriented production will lead to rural employment through processing and value addition. If we scale high-value agriculture together, it will transform agriculture into a globally competitive sector,” he asserted.
Focusing on high-value agriculture, the Prime Minister detailed budget proposals for region-specific promotion of crops like cocoa, cashew and sandalwood. He stressed the importance of setting clear goals to connect local farmers with global markets; and called for a unified approach involving experts, industry and farmers to meet global branding and quality standards.
On the fisheries sector, Modi said India is the world’s second-largest fish producer. He highlighted that while approximately 4.5 lakh tonnes of fish are currently produced in various reservoirs and ponds, there exists a potential for an additional 20 lakh tonnes of production. “Fisheries can also become a major platform for export growth,” he remarked.
The Prime Minister further emphasised the need for new business models in hatcheries, feed and logistics to realise the potential of the Blue Economy. He encouraged strong coordination between the Fisheries Department and local communities.
“This can become a high-value, high-impact sector for rural prosperity, and you must deliberate on this together,” he emphasised.
Modi said, “Today, India is the world’s largest milk producer and ranks second in egg production. Focus on breeding quality, disease prevention and scientific management can help to further strengthen these sectors.”
He advocated for crop diversification over single-crop dependency to mitigate risks; and cited missions for edible oils, pulses, and natural farming as tools to boost the sector’s strength.
He also spoke extensively on the “technology culture” in agriculture, referencing e-NAM and the development of digital public infrastructure. He noted the creation of Kisan IDs and digital land surveys as transformative steps.
Discussing the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ campaign, the Prime Minister set a target of creating 3 crore more such successful women entrepreneurs by 2029.
He also underlined the need for innovation in agri-fintech and supply chains; and urged entrepreneurs to increase investment in these critical areas to energise the rural landscape.
The Tribune