Shivraj Singh Chouhan Launches PRAGATI Initiative to Empower 20,000 Agri-Entrepreneurs and 20 Lakh Farmers

New Delhi, July 7, 2026: Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday launched the PRAGATI initiative, a national programme aimed at improving the income, productivity and livelihoods of 20 lakh small and marginal farmers by creating a network of 20,000 agri-entrepreneurs across the country.

Launched in partnership with several national and international organisations, the initiative focuses on promoting sustainable farming, rural entrepreneurship and climate-resilient agriculture.

Focus on Higher Farmer Income

Addressing the launch event, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the vision of a Developed India cannot be achieved without developed agriculture and prosperous villages.

He said the government's priority is not only to increase agricultural production but also to improve farmers' income by reducing production costs, encouraging crop diversification and promoting value addition.

According to the minister, small and marginal farmers need opportunities beyond traditional farming. He said activities such as food processing, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries and beekeeping can provide additional sources of income and make agriculture more profitable.

PRAGATI to Train 20,000 Rural Youth

Under the programme, 20,000 rural youth will be trained as agri-entrepreneurs to provide village-level services to farmers.

These agri-entrepreneurs will offer:

• Soil testing and soil health advisory

• Farm mechanisation services

• Digital and scientific farming guidance

• Financial linkages

• Market access support

• Alternative livelihood opportunities

The initiative aims to bridge the gap between farmers and modern agricultural technologies while improving access to government schemes and financial services.

Implementation Across Eight States

The PRAGATI initiative will initially be implemented in eight major agricultural states:

• Madhya Pradesh

• Uttar Pradesh

• Bihar

• Maharashtra

• Rajasthan

• West Bengal

• Assam

• Jharkhand

The government expects the programme to create a strong rural support system that will help farmers improve productivity and adopt climate-smart farming practices.

Women to Play a Key Role

The Agriculture Minister stressed the importance of women's participation in agriculture and said Krishi Sakhis and women entrepreneurs would play a central role in the programme.

He said each trained agri-entrepreneur has the potential to transform an entire village by providing knowledge, services and market support to local farmers.

Describing PRAGATI as more than just a government programme, Shri Chouhan said it is a movement to build self-reliant villages and create new employment opportunities in rural India.

Targeting Higher Income and Better Productivity

The initiative aims to benefit more than 20 lakh small and marginal farmers, with a special focus on women farmers.

Key targets under the programme include:

• Increasing farmers' income by at least 30%

• Raising yields of crops such as rice, maize and potatoes by 15-20%

• Promoting regenerative agriculture among at least 20% of participating farmers

• Expanding financial literacy and access to formal banking services

The programme also seeks to increase the use of technology, drones, digital advisory services and scientific farming practices.

Multi-Partner Initiative

PRAGATI brings together several organisations from the public, private and development sectors. Its partners include the PepsiCo Foundation, State Bank of India Foundation (SBIF), Gates Foundation, IDH, Heifer International, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Global Agri Entrepreneurship Academy, Sustainable Agriculture Foundations International Association (SAFIA), Agri Entrepreneur Growth Foundation (AEGF) and Transform Rural India Foundation (TRIF).

The programme builds on the experience of AEGF, which has already supported agri-entrepreneurship initiatives in 14 states. PRAGATI aims to expand this network by adding 20,000 new agri-entrepreneurs to the existing base of over 26,000.