Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday celebrated India’s agricultural transformation and cultural resurgence during the 131st episode of Mann Ki Baat.
He highlighted a nationwide movement to preserve heritage seeds, applauding farmers for driving meaningful change. Referring to Kerala’s Thrissur district, he noted that farmers cultivate nearly 570 varieties of rice, including indigenous, medicinal, and interstate strains. He described the effort as more than agriculture, a people-led campaign to safeguard India’s seed legacy. The results, he said, are reflected in national data, with India emerging as the world’s largest rice producer, crossing 15 crore tonnes in output. This achievement strengthens domestic food security while expanding India’s role in the global food basket.
Pointing to rising exports, the Prime Minister mentioned air shipments of farm produce and GI-tagged products from Karnataka, such as Nanjangud Rasabale bananas, Mysore betel leaves, and Indian limes being exported to the Maldives. He said farmers are increasingly prioritising quality, scale, and brand identity.
On culture, PM Modi recalled the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj as a profound expression of Sanatani consciousness. He also cited Kerala’s Mamangam festival at Tirunavaya, recently revived, as a symbol of unity that transcends region and ritual, reflecting India’s enduring civilisational spirit.
