Shivraj Singh Chouhan to lead ‘Sapt Dhara of Shakti’ pledge at Pusa; focus on 6 crore Lakhpati Didis, agricultural exports, food processing and global market access

Key Highlights

• Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to lead the ‘Sapt Dhara of Shakti’ pledge at Pusa on August 18.
• Government targets 6 crore Lakhpati Didis, up from 3 crore currently.
• Progressive farmers, rural women, exporters and food processors to participate.
• Agriculture, food processing, exports and global market access identified as key growth priorities.
• She-Marts and branding initiatives expected to strengthen market opportunities for rural women-led enterprises.
• Roadmap aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

The Centre is preparing a fresh roadmap for agriculture and rural development, with food processing, agricultural exports, women-led enterprises and global market access emerging as key pillars of its long-term strategy towards Viksit Bharat 2047.

Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will lead the ‘Sapt Dhara of Shakti’ pledge at the Pusa campus in New Delhi on August 18, bringing together officials, farmers, Lakhpati Didis, agricultural exporters and food processors.

Agriculture and food processing at the centre of growth strategy

The initiative follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day address, in which agriculture and food production, food processing and access to international markets were identified among the priorities for strengthening India’s economic and strategic self-reliance.

The government is seeking to move beyond primary agricultural production by encouraging greater value addition, processing and export-oriented agriculture.

The focus on global markets is particularly relevant for products such as agricultural commodities, processed foods and marine products, including seafood, where India has significant potential to expand its international footprint.

Lakhpati Didi target raised to 6 crore

Women-led rural enterprises will be another major focus of the roadmap.

According to the government, around 3 crore rural women have already become Lakhpati Didis, and the next target is to increase this number to 6 crore.

Women associated with Self-Help Groups are being supported through skills, financial assistance and livelihood programmes designed to increase household incomes and encourage entrepreneurship.

The strategy is increasingly moving towards helping rural women not only produce goods but also access larger domestic and international markets.

She-Marts to strengthen market access

The government’s approach includes initiatives such as She-Marts, which are intended to provide stronger market channels for products produced by women-led rural enterprises.

Products associated with areas such as yoga, Ayurveda, handicrafts and other rural enterprises are expected to receive greater support for branding and market development.

For rural women entrepreneurs, this could help address one of the major challenges facing small enterprises: moving from production to sustainable commercialisation.

New opportunities for food and hospitality businesses

The government’s emphasis on food processing and agricultural exports could have significant implications for the hospitality ecosystem.

Potential impact on hospitality and tourism

• Farm-to-table sourcing: Greater processing and market integration could improve access to regionally distinctive agricultural products.
• Local food brands: Rural enterprises may develop branded products suitable for hotels, restaurants, gourmet retailers and tourism destinations.
• Culinary tourism: Greater visibility for regional foods and processed products can strengthen destination-specific culinary experiences.
• Women-led tourism enterprises: Lakhpati Didi and SHG initiatives could support homestays, catering, food production and other rural tourism businesses.
• Export-quality food: Improved processing and branding can create stronger links between Indian specialty foods and international hospitality markets.
• Rural destinations: Higher rural incomes and stronger enterprises can support community-based tourism and experiential travel.

From farmers to global food markets

The ‘Sapt Dhara of Shakti’ roadmap signals a broader shift in India’s agriculture policy—from production-led growth towards value-chain-led growth.

With farmers, processors, exporters and rural women entrepreneurs being brought into the same policy conversation, the government is looking to build an ecosystem in which agricultural products can move more efficiently from farm to processing unit to domestic consumer and international market.

For the hospitality and tourism sector, this could translate into a wider supply of authentic regional foods, premium agricultural products and rural experiences, while creating new income opportunities for farming communities and women-led enterprises.

Bottom line

The August 18 initiative places agriculture, food processing, exports and women-led rural businesses within a common development framework. If the proposed roadmap succeeds in improving market access and value addition, it could strengthen not only farm incomes but also India’s emerging food, culinary tourism and rural hospitality economy as the country works towards its Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.