India is accelerating its national strategy for self-reliant agriculture, reinforcing a long-term plan aimed at boosting domestic production, strengthening value chains and positioning farmers to compete more effectively in global markets. Although agriculture is formally a State responsibility, the central government has intensified its support through flagship schemes that seek to reduce import dependence and raise productivity across oilseeds, pulses, horticulture and technology adoption.

A key component is the National Mission on Edible Oils - Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds), which continues to expand domestic output of one of India's most sensitive food commodities. Production climbed to 429.89 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, supported by stable acreage and an improvement in yield, which rose to 1,412 kg/ha, the highest level in three years. In parallel, the National Mission on Edible Oils - Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) is scaling rapidly across 15 States, with planted area growing from 49,868 ha in 2022-23 to 63,480 ha in 2024-25, a strategic move to curb reliance on imported palm oil.

The drive for pulse self-sufficiency gained new momentum with the launch of the Mission for Atmanirbharta in Pulses (2025-31), backed by a budget of 11,440 crore. The initiative aims to raise domestic production to 350 lakh tonnes and expand cultivated area to 310 lakh hectares by 2030-31, strengthening India's long-term food security and reducing exposure to volatile import markets.

Improving farmer income remains a central policy priority. Through the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), the government is promoting value addition, processing infrastructure, training programs and the adoption of modern technologies, enabling farmers across all States and Union Territories to upgrade productivity and connect with higher-value supply chains. The strategy is complemented by reforms and investments such as micro-irrigation funds, agri-marketing initiatives, the expansion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Kisan Credit Card benefits and the e-NAM digital marketplace, all designed to create better linkages between production, processing and international demand.

One of the most transformative areas is the rapid rollout of agricultural drones, supported by substantial incentives under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM). Research institutions, KVKs, State Agricultural Universities and public agencies can access 100% financing up to 10 lakh per drone for field demonstrations. FPOs receive grants covering 75% of drone costs, while cooperatives and rural entrepreneurs can access up to 40% support for drones intended for rental services. Individual farmers-including smallholders, women, SC/ST groups and producers in the North East-are eligible for subsidies of up to 50%, reinforcing a nationwide push toward precision agriculture and more efficient farm operations.

Through these converging programs, India is reshaping its agricultural landscape with a dual objective: achieving domestic self-reliance while becoming increasingly competitive in global value chains. The combination of productivity gains, technology adoption, processing capacity and expanded farmer organizations marks a decisive shift toward a more resilient, modern and market-oriented rural economy.