"PM-DDKY will transform agrarian India through convergence": Rajiv Ranjan Singh

New Delhi [India], October 11 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana (PM-DDKY) and Mission for Aatmanir bharta in Pulses: landmark initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable and inclusive growth in agriculture and allied sectors, in New Delhi on Saturday, according to an official statement from the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
Addressing the event virtually, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Panchayati Raj, 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 Narendra Modi also inaugurated 16 major projects worth Rs 947 crore and laid the foundation stone for one key project worth Rs 219 crore in the animal husbandry sector. He also laid the foundation stone for seven new projects worth Rs 572 crores and inaugurated nine projects worth Rs 121 crores for the fisheries sector.
The Union Minister stated that the establishment of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying in 2019 provided these sectors with dedicated policy support and accelerated their development.
He emphasised these sectors now sustain over 10 crore livelihoods, with women forming more than 70 per cent of the dairy workforce, a true reflection of women's empowerment and rural prosperity in the country.
Singh highlighted that through schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and the Fisheries Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), a significant boost has been given to the fisheries sector for the 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 per cent (96 lakh tonnes in 2013-14 to 195 lakh tonnes in 2024-25).
He informed that 16 major fisheries projects (worth over Rs 693 crores) were inaugurated on this occasion, which will further boost productivity, exports, and employment in India.
Speaking about the achievements of the dairy and animal husbandry sectors, the Union Minister stated that milk production has increased by 63 per cent (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 the productivity of cattle and buffaloes has grown by over 25 per cent (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 nine states moving rapidly towards FMD-free status that will further boost India's milk exports.
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," emphasising technology-led growth, improved livelihoods, and nutritional well-being for all. (ANI)