Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana (PM-DDKY) and Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses : landmark initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable and inclusive growth in agriculture and allied sectors, in New Delhi today. Addressing the event virtually, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Panchayati Raj, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh stated that these initiatives through convergence, innovation, and inclusive development will transform the agrarian districts in the country. On this occasion, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also inaugurated 16 major projects worth ₹947 crores and laid the foundation stone of one key project worth ₹219 crores in the animal husbandry sector. He also laid the foundation stone for 7 new projects worth ₹572 crores and inaugurated 9 projects worth ₹121 crores for the fisheries sector.

The Union Minister stated that the establishment of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying in 2019 gave these sectors a dedicated policy support, and accelerated development. He emphasized these sectors now sustain over 10 crore livelihoods, with women forming more than 70% of the dairy workforce, a true reflection of women’s empowerment and rural prosperity in the country. Shri Singh highlighted that through schemes like Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Fisheries Infrastructure Development Fund ( FIDF), major boost has been given to the fisheries sector for creation of modern infrastructure such as fishing harbours, hatcheries, feed mills, and cold chains. He stated that today India is second in the world in terms of fish production and has witnessed a phenomenal increase of 104 percent (96 lakh tonnes in 2013–14 to 195 lakh tonnes in 2024–25). He informed that 16 major fisheries projects (worth over ₹693 crores) were inaugurated on this occasion that will further boost productivity, exports, and employment in India.

Speaking on the achievements of the dairy and animal husbandry sectors, the Union Minister said that milk production has registered a 63 percent increase (from 146 million tonnes in 2014–15 to 239 million tonnes in 2024–25) and India ranks first globally in terms of milk production. He added that  productivity of cattle and buffaloes has grown by over 25 percent (the fastest rate in the world). In the area of livestock health, more than 125 crore vaccine doses have been administered under free nationwide vaccination drives against Foot-and-Mouth Disease, Brucellosis, PPR etc with 9 states moving rapidly towards FMD-free status that will further boost India’s milk exports.

Shri Singh said that the PM-DDKY reflects the Prime Minister’s vision to enhance farmers’ income, further strengthen India’s rural economy and position the fisheries, animal husbandry, and dairy sectors as key pillars of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The Union Minister reiterated the commitment of “Rural Prosperity to National Prosperity,” emphasizing technology-led growth, improved livelihoods, and nutritional well-being for all.

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Aditi Agrawal

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