Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the government's commitment to uplifting the lives of small-scale farmers through various schemes and initiatives.
The statement comes against the backdrop of ongoing protests by farmers in Punjab and Haryana advocating for their demands, including a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops and a farm loan waiver.
During his extensive visit to Gujarat, which included stops in Ahmedabad, Navsari, Mehsana, and Surat, Modi participated in several events, including the golden jubilee celebrations of the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), the marketing entity for Amul products. He also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple projects, including two new Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) at Kakrapar Atomic Power Station.
Addressing a gathering of nearly 100,000 people, primarily cattle-rearers and farmers, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad's Motera, Modi highlighted the government's efforts to bolster the rural economy for the realisation of a 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India).
Modi spoke of the government's plan to establish 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), aiming to transform small farmers into "agri-entrepreneurs and exporters." He outlined various schemes for farmers, including Micro ATMs, the GOBARdhan scheme, and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samridhi Kendras.
The Prime Minister announced plans for Micro ATMs in villages, RuPay credit cards for cattle-rearers, and the issuance of Kisan credit cards for fishermen and cattle-rearers. He emphasised the importance of addressing various aspects of village life, focusing on improving the lives of small farmers and enhancing livestock health.
To combat foot-and-mouth disease, Modi highlighted a free vaccination drive for cattle, costing Rs 15,000 crore, with nearly 60 crore jabs administered. Initiatives such as Kisan Samridhi Kendras across the country and support for organic fertiliser production were also emphasised.
Modi discussed renewable energy initiatives, such as solar panel installations in fields and bio-gas plants utilising cow dung. The government aims to transform food grain growers into producers of energy and fertilisers, turning "anna data" into "urja data" and "uvarak data."
At the golden jubilee celebrations, Modi urged stakeholders in the cooperative sector to elevate GCMMF to the world's leading dairy company, currently holding the eighth position globally.
In Mehsana, Modi addressed the opposition Congress, criticising their negativity and reluctance to embrace development, even in the aftermath of the completion and inauguration of the grand Ram temple in Ayodhya.
In Navsari, Modi responded to Congress's remarks about his caste, asserting that their abuse only strengthens the resolve to secure over 400 seats for the BJP-led NDA in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. He criticised the Congress for lacking an agenda beyond criticising him and highlighted the BJP's commitment to win 370 seats independently.
Also read: https://newsarenaindia.com/nation/bjp-national-council-meet-pm-urges-party-to-focus-campaign-around-welfare-of-poor-country-s-development/3750
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