India's massive push to upskill 270 million farmers transforms rural livelihoods

Agriculture remains central to India's economy, with nearly two-thirds of the population living in rural areas and almost half relying on farming. Over the past few years, government-led training programmes have reached millions of farmers, equipping them with modern skills and knowledge to improve productivity.

Between 2021 and 2025, the Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) engaged 27 crore farmers through trainings, exposure visits, and Kisan Melas. These efforts aimed to spread awareness about advanced farming techniques and best practices. Meanwhile, the Soil Health Card Scheme conducted 93,781 training sessions and 8 lakh demonstrations, focusing on balanced fertiliser use to enhance soil fertility.

Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), operating in over 700 districts, trained approximately 58 million farmers from 2021 to 2024. States like Maharashtra, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh saw the highest participation rates. The Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) also played a role, training over 57,000 farmers in mechanisation techniques during the same period.

Beyond farming, skill development programmes expanded opportunities for rural youth. The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY 4.0) certified 1.64 crore individuals in agriculture-related skills by June 2025. The Skill Training of Rural Youth (STRY) initiative equipped 43,000 young people in horticulture, dairy, fisheries, and allied sectors between 2021 and 2024.

The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) trained 9.7 lakh farmers in horticulture practices over a decade, from 2014 to 2024. Additionally, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY) approved 1,601 projects, benefiting 34 lakh farmers by improving post-harvest infrastructure and market access.

These initiatives reflect the government's push to integrate skill development into rural empowerment. By transforming farmers into innovators, entrepreneurs, and active participants in the agricultural value chain, the programmes aim to strengthen India's farming sector. The scale of training—spanning soil health, mechanisation, and allied vocations—highlights a structured effort to modernise agriculture and secure rural livelihoods.