Agriculture, rural roads, fisheries, dairy, digital farming and railway projects to receive a major boost as Centre rolls out a comprehensive development agenda from Hooghly

Key Highlights

• PM Modi to release the 23rd PM-KISAN instalment worth ₹18,880 crore to over 9.44 crore farmers.
• West Bengal farmers to receive more than ₹907 crore under the latest instalment.
• PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme to be launched in the state.
• AgriTech platform under the Digital Agriculture Mission to go live in West Bengal.
• National Mission on Natural Farming to cover 17,300 hectares and benefit over 43,000 farmers.
• PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana to be implemented in four districts.
• Rural road projects worth ₹213 crore to improve connectivity.
• Fisheries infrastructure, livestock breeding facilities and railway projects worth ₹591 crore to be inaugurated or launched.
• New initiatives expected to strengthen agriculture, tourism, logistics and rural entrepreneurship.

PM Modi Set to Launch Agriculture, Fisheries, Rail and Rural Development Projects in West Bengal

Kolkata/Hooghly, June 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to announce a wide-ranging package of agriculture, rural development, fisheries, transport and infrastructure initiatives during his visit to Hooghly district on June 20, alongside the release of the 23rd instalment of PM-KISAN.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the programme will combine direct income support for farmers with a series of sector-specific projects aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods, agricultural productivity and infrastructure development across West Bengal.

₹18,880 Crore PM-KISAN Transfer

The centrepiece of the event will be the transfer of over ₹18,880 crore directly into the bank accounts of more than 9.44 crore farmers across India under PM-KISAN.

In West Bengal alone:

• More than 45.35 lakh farmers will receive benefits.
• Transfers will exceed ₹907 crore.
• Total PM-KISAN assistance in the state since 2019 will cross ₹15,055 crore.

The nationwide cumulative disbursement under PM-KISAN is set to surpass ₹4.46 lakh crore.

Crop Insurance and Digital Agriculture Expansion

The Prime Minister will formally launch the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) in West Bengal.

The programme aims to:

• Cover approximately 1.10 crore farmers.
• Protect nearly 30 lakh hectares of farmland.
• Insure crops valued at around ₹28,140 crore.

Alongside crop insurance, the state will also join the government’s Digital Agriculture Mission through the launch of the AgriTech platform.

The digital ecosystem will provide farmers access to:

• Fertilizer distribution services.
• Kisan Credit Cards.
• Direct Benefit Transfers.
• MSP-linked procurement services.
• Agriculture-related digital records and advisory systems.

Natural Farming and Agricultural Diversification

The event will also mark the rollout of the National Mission on Natural Farming in West Bengal.

Under the 2026-27 action plan:

• 346 natural farming clusters will be established.
• 17,300 hectares will be brought under natural farming practices.
• More than 43,250 farmers are expected to benefit.

The initiative is expected to support sustainable agriculture while creating opportunities for higher-value and environmentally responsible farm production.

In addition, the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana will be implemented in:

• Purulia
• Darjeeling
• Alipurduar
• Jhargram

The scheme focuses on crop diversification, post-harvest infrastructure, irrigation and rural entrepreneurship.

Rural Roads to Improve Market Access

Under PMGSY-III, the Prime Minister will inaugurate:

• 49 rural road projects.
• Investments exceeding ₹213 crore.
• More than 315 kilometres of rural connectivity infrastructure.

Improved road access is expected to facilitate faster movement of agricultural produce, enhance market connectivity and support rural economic activity.

Fisheries and Dairy Infrastructure Receive Major Push

West Bengal’s fisheries sector is also set to receive significant infrastructure upgrades.

Projects include:

• Modernisation and expansion of the Fraserganj Fisheries Harbour in South 24 Parganas.
• Development of a modern fisheries market in Birbhum.

The projects are expected to improve:

• Cold-chain capabilities.
• Fish handling and storage.
• Market access.
• Export potential.

In the livestock sector, a Regional Semen Production Laboratory and Goat Semen Bank in Nadia district will be inaugurated.

Developed under the National Livestock Mission, the facility is expected to support scientific breeding and productivity improvements in the goat-rearing sector.

Railway Projects Worth ₹591 Crore

The Prime Minister will also launch and inaugurate railway projects worth approximately ₹591 crore, including:

New Railway Hospital in Howrah

• 300-bed divisional railway hospital.
• Estimated investment of ₹99 crore.
• Equipped with modern diagnostic and specialist healthcare facilities.

Road Over Bridge in East Medinipur

• Investment of ₹71 crore.
• Designed to improve traffic flow and safety.

Sankrail–Santragachi Third Rail Line

• Investment of ₹421 crore.
• Expected to enhance freight movement and passenger operations on one of eastern India’s busiest rail corridors.

Why It Matters for Hospitality, Tourism and Food Processing

The package extends beyond agriculture and has significant implications for hospitality, travel and food industries.

Tourism Connectivity

Improved roads, rail infrastructure and healthcare facilities can enhance visitor accessibility across West Bengal, benefiting:

• Heritage tourism.
• Religious tourism.
• Rural tourism.
• Business travel.

Fisheries and Food Processing Growth

Upgraded fisheries infrastructure can strengthen seafood supply chains for:

• Hotels.
• Restaurants.
• Exporters.
• Food processing companies.

Natural Farming and Premium Food Markets

The expansion of natural farming clusters may create opportunities for:

• Organic food producers.
• Farm-to-table hospitality concepts.
• Sustainable sourcing initiatives.
• Specialty food exports.

Rural Economic Development

Increased farm incomes, improved logistics and stronger rural infrastructure can stimulate local demand and create new opportunities for hospitality, foodservice and tourism businesses in emerging markets.

Outlook

The June 20 programme represents one of the most comprehensive development packages announced for West Bengal in recent years, combining direct farmer support with investments in agriculture, fisheries, transport, livestock development and digital governance.

For hospitality, tourism and food processing stakeholders, the initiatives signal stronger rural infrastructure, improved supply chains and new opportunities linked to sustainable agriculture, fisheries and regional economic growth.