Pragati Project Launched: Centre Targets 20,000 Agri-Entrepreneurs and 20 Lakh Farmers

Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan on July 7, 2026, launched the Pragati Project, a national initiative aimed at improving the income, productivity, and livelihoods of 20 lakh small and marginal farmers by creating a network of 20,000 agri-entrepreneurs.  

The multi-partner programme seeks to strengthen rural entrepreneurship, promote climate-resilient agriculture, and expand farmers' access to technology, finance, and markets. 

What Is the Pragati Project? 

The Pragati Project is a nationwide agricultural entrepreneurship initiative designed to enhance farm incomes while promoting sustainable farming practices. The programme focuses on empowering rural youth to become agri-entrepreneurs who will provide advisory, mechanisation, financial, and market support to farmers at the village level. 

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the initiative is expected to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen rural livelihoods, and support climate-sensitive farming practices across participating states. 

What Are the Key Features of the Pragati Project? 

The initiative aims to achieve several measurable outcomes over the coming years. 

Which States Will the Pragati Project Cover? 

The programme will initially be implemented across major agricultural states. 

Village-level agri-entrepreneurs will provide advisory services, soil testing, mechanisation support, financial linkages, market access, and guidance on alternative income opportunities. 

How Will the Pragati Project Increase Farmers' Income? 

Speaking at the launch, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that a developed India cannot be achieved without developed agriculture and prosperous villages. He emphasised that increasing production alone is not sufficient, and that improving farmer income requires reducing cultivation costs, adopting technology, and promoting crop diversification. 

The minister said value addition, food processing, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and beekeeping can create additional income opportunities for farmers. He also highlighted the importance of drones, digital advisory services, scientific farming, and soil health management in improving agricultural productivity. 

How Will Women and Rural Youth Benefit from the Pragati Project? 

The government has placed special emphasis on the participation of women and rural youth under the Pragati Project. 

According to the minister, Krishi Sakhis and women entrepreneurs will play a significant role in driving rural transformation. The initiative aims to create village-level entrepreneurs capable of supporting entire communities through agricultural services, entrepreneurship, and employment generation. 

Read More: Annapurna Yojana: West Bengal CM Reiterates Eligibility Criteria; Know Who May Not Qualify

Which Organisations Are Supporting the Pragati Project? 

The Pragati Project is being implemented through a partnership involving several national and international organisations. 

Key partners include: 

These organisations will support training, financial inclusion, digital enablement, market linkages, technical assistance, and regenerative agriculture. 

How Will the Pragati Project Support Agri-Entrepreneurs? 

The initiative builds on previous agri-entrepreneurship programmes implemented by the Agri-Entrepreneur Growth Foundation (AEGF) across 14 states. 

With the addition of 20,000 new agri-entrepreneurs, the programme will expand India's existing network of more than 26,000 agri-entrepreneurs, with a focus on inclusive participation and greater representation of women in the agricultural ecosystem. 

Conclusion 

The Pragati Project aims to strengthen India's agricultural ecosystem by combining rural entrepreneurship, technology adoption, sustainable farming practices, and financial inclusion. Through the creation of 20,000 agri-entrepreneurs and support for 20 lakh small and marginal farmers, the initiative seeks to improve farm incomes, enhance productivity, and promote climate-resilient agriculture across multiple states. 

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