States » SouthPosted at: Oct 25 2026 2:34PM


Modi spotlights Kalaburagi tur dal exports to Maldives in Mann Ki Baat

Bengaluru, Oct 25 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted the export of Kalaburagi’s tur dal to the Maldives, underscoring the potential of local agricultural produce to reach international markets and create new opportunities for Indian farmers.
Addressing the 139th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Modi urged people to strengthen the ‘Vocal for Local’ movement by prioritising products made by Indian farmers, artisans and domestic producers, particularly during the festive shopping season.
Citing examples of regional produce reaching overseas markets, he said arhar dal from Kalaburagi in north Karnataka was being exported to the Maldives, while makhana from Purnia in Bihar was reaching Greece.
The examples highlighted how agricultural products associated with specific regions could find buyers beyond domestic markets, bringing greater visibility to local produce and opening up opportunities for producers.
Kalaburagi is a major tur dal-growing region of Karnataka, and its mention in the national broadcast placed the spotlight on the district’s agricultural identity and the scope for expanding the reach of its produce.
Modi also highlighted efforts by tribal communities in Maharashtra to improve the marketability of their products through packaging inspired by traditional art and culture.
Under the ‘Shabari Naturals’ initiative, products such as honey, mahua, chironji and bamboo-based items are being marketed in packaging that reflects tribal designs. He stressed that attractive presentation, alongside product quality, could help traditional goods gain consumer recognition.
He also referred to the growing popularity of khadi, saying consumer support for the traditional fabric helped sustain the livelihoods of artisans and preserve India’s craft heritage.
The broadcast marked 12 years of Mann Ki Baat, which began on Vijayadashami. Modi thanked listeners for their continued participation and said the programme had provided a platform to highlight the contributions of ordinary citizens in community service, environmental protection and local innovation.
Turning to sustainable agriculture, he spoke about the ‘Nav-Trinjan’ initiative in Punjab’s Malwa region, where the Kheti Virasat Mission is working to revive traditional farming practices and promote organic cotton cultivation.
The initiative includes growing cotton without chemical inputs, including naturally coloured varieties, while supporting traditional weaving and handloom skills. Training opportunities are also helping women develop livelihoods through textile production using locally grown cotton.
Modi further highlighted community-led efforts to revive the Heval river in Uttarakhand’s Tehri Garhwal region. He said residents and the administration had undertaken rainwater conservation, groundwater recharge and tree-planting measures after the river and nearby natural water sources began drying up.
These efforts helped restore the river and revive several natural water sources, demonstrating the role of community participation in water conservation and ecosystem protection.
With Diwali and Chhath approaching, the Prime Minister also appealed to people to maintain cleanliness in their homes and surroundings and participate in local cleanliness drives.
The broadcast brought together themes of agricultural market access, traditional livelihoods, sustainable farming and environmental conservation, with Kalaburagi’s tur dal emerging as a prominent example of local produce reaching overseas markets.
UNI BDN
Tags: #Modi spotlights Kalaburagi tur dal exports to Maldives in Mann Ki Baat
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