Government Launches PRAGATI Mission: 20 Lakh Farmers to Benefit, 20,000 Rural Youth to Become Agri-Entrepreneurs

Key Highlights

• 20,000 rural youth to become agri-entrepreneurs.

• 20 lakh farmers to receive modern agricultural services.

• First phase covers eight major agricultural states.

• Focus on drones, digital farming, and regenerative agriculture.

• Target to increase farmers' income by 30% and crop productivity by 15–20%.

The Central Government has launched the PRAGATI (Promoting Regenerative Agriculture through Guided Technology and Innovation) Mission to make Indian agriculture more modern, profitable, and technology-driven. Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan unveiled the national initiative, which aims to train 20,000 rural youth as agri-entrepreneurs and provide modern agricultural services to 20 lakh (2 million) small and marginal farmers across the country.

The mission is expected to improve access to technology, boost farmers incomes, strengthen the rural economy, and promote sustainable farming practices.

Government Focuses on Profitable Farming

Speaking at the launch, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the vision of a developed India can only be achieved when villages and farmers become prosperous. He said the government's objective is not just to increase agricultural production but also to reduce farming costs, improve farmers' incomes, and make agriculture more profitable.

To achieve this, the mission will encourage crop diversification, value addition, food processing, and agriculture-based entrepreneurship, creating new income opportunities for small and marginal farmers.

First Phase to Cover Eight Major States

The first phase of the PRAGATI Mission will be implemented in:

• Madhya Pradesh

• Uttar Pradesh

• Bihar

• Maharashtra

• Rajasthan

• West Bengal

• Assam

• Jharkhand

Agri-entrepreneurs trained under the mission will work at the village level and provide a range of modern farming services, including:

• Soil testing

• Scientific farming advice

• Access to farm machinery

• Digital agriculture solutions

• Banking and financial support

• Better market linkages

Modern Technology to Drive Agricultural Growth

The government believes that higher farm incomes can only be achieved by combining traditional farming with modern technologies. Therefore, the PRAGATI Mission will promote:

• Drone technology

• Digital agricultural advisory services

• Scientific farming methods

• Soil health management

• Modern farm equipment

The mission will also encourage farmers to diversify into horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, beekeeping, and other agriculture-based businesses to generate additional income.

Women Farmers to Play a Key Role

Women's participation is a major focus of the PRAGATI Mission. The initiative will involve a large number of Krishi Sakhis and women agri-entrepreneurs, who will help spread modern farming techniques and new technologies in villages.

The government believes this will increase women's economic participation while supporting overall rural development.

Supported by Leading National and Global Organizations

The PRAGATI Mission is being described as one of India's largest private sector-led agri-entrepreneurship programmes. It is supported by several national and international organizations, including:

• PepsiCo Foundation

• State Bank of India Foundation (SBIF)

• Gates Foundation

• IDH

• Heifer International

• Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)

• Global Agri Entrepreneurship Academy

• SAFIA

• Agri Entrepreneur Growth Foundation (AEGF)

• Transform Rural India Foundation (TRIF)

These organizations will provide training, technical support, financial inclusion, digital services, and market connections to agri-entrepreneurs and farmers.

Mission Targets Higher Income and Sustainable Farming

The PRAGATI Mission builds on the experience of the Agri-Entrepreneur Growth Foundation (AEGF), which already has a network of more than 26,000 agri-entrepreneurs. The new initiative will add 20,000 more agri-entrepreneurs to further expand agricultural services across rural India.

The government has set several key targets under the mission:

• Provide modern agricultural services to over 20 lakh small and marginal farmers

• Encourage at least 20% of farmers to adopt regenerative agriculture practices

• Increase farmers' income by 30%

• Improve productivity of major crops such as rice, maize, and potatoes by 15–20%

• Expand access to formal banking, financial literacy, and digital platforms

• Promote climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture

The government expects the PRAGATI Mission to accelerate technology adoption in Indian agriculture while creating employment opportunities for rural youth and improving the long-term profitability of farming.

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CMV360 Says

The launch of the PRAGATI Mission marks a significant step toward transforming Indian agriculture through technology, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. By training 20,000 rural agri-entrepreneurs and supporting 20 lakh small and marginal farmers, the government aims to improve productivity, increase farm incomes, strengthen rural livelihoods, and make agriculture more resilient for the future.