India’s foodgrain output touches 357 MT, says PM

India has achieved a significant milestone in the agricultural sector with foodgrain production reaching 357 million tonnes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday during his monthly radio address, ‘Mann Ki Baat.’

“The country has also achieved a major milestone in the agricultural sector. India has set a historic record with foodgrain production of 357 million tonnes — three hundred and fifty-seven million tonnes! Compared to 10 years ago, India’s foodgrain production has increased by 100 million tonnes,” he said.

Modi added that the country is also setting new benchmarks in honey production, which has risen to more than 1.5 lakh metric tonnes over the past 11 years.

“Today, India is setting new records in honey production. Eleven years ago, honey production in the country was 76,000 metric tonnes. It has now increased to more than 1.5 lakh metric tonnes. Honey exports have also risen more than three-fold in recent years. Under the Honey Mission programme, Khadi Gramodyog has distributed more than 2.25 lakh bee-boxes. This has provided new employment opportunities to thousands of people… that is, the sweetness of the honey is spreading across the country and increasing farmers’ incomes,” he said.

The PM also highlighted the growing recognition of a unique variety from Jammu and Kashmir. “In the hilly areas of Jammu and Kashmir, honeybees produce a distinctive honey from wild basil, known as sulai. This white-coloured honey is called Ramban Sulai honey. A few years ago, it received the GI tag, and since then, it has been gaining recognition nationwide,” he said.