India's Modi says committed to farmers' welfare, protesting leaders call meeting

Farmers listen to a speaker at a site where there are farmers who are marching towards New Delhi to press for the better crop prices promised to them in 2021, at Shambhu barrier, a border between Punjab and Haryana states, India, February 22, 2024. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi

SHAMBHU, India (Reuters) - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday his government is committed to the welfare of farmers and is on a mission to make them entrepreneurs and exporters, amid a protest by thousands of farmers seeking higher prices for their produce.

Modi's comments on farmers were his first since the protests began last week and come months before general elections in which he is seeking a rare third term.