Banaskantha Projects: Soil Cards, Bio CNG and New Trains
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of several development projects in Banaskantha, Gujarat, and addressed a major public meeting. He focused on the government's work in agriculture, livestock and the rural economy, while also criticising the opposition.
Modi said agriculture is both a tradition and a culture in India. He said the government has brought science and technology into farming on a large scale during the last 12 years.
The Soil Health Card, he said, is a key example. Farmers previously had difficulty identifying the right fertiliser and quantity for their fields. The scheme now provides that answer, and over 26 crore Soil Health Cards have reached farmers. This, he said, has modernised farming practices.
With climate change posing new risks, the government aims to supply farmers with regular new seed varieties suited to changing conditions. Around 3,000 new varieties have been made available in recent years.
Modi described animal husbandry as an important pillar of the rural economy, with women playing a major part. He said the government has stressed scientific methods to raise milk output. He mentioned the National Gokul Mission, which promotes scientific breeding and conservation of indigenous breeds. A research centre being built in Banaskantha will strengthen the mission, he said, and techniques such as IVF are supporting it.
He said protecting livestock from disease is another priority. A free vaccination campaign has delivered 150 crore doses to animals. More than 8 crore farmers have received free vaccines for their animals, reducing costs for livestock owners.
Modi said these steps are showing results in milk production. In 2013-14, average daily yield per cow or buffalo was below 5 litres. It has now risen to about 8 litres. He said India's dairy productivity is growing faster than anywhere else in the world and that the country is now number one globally, which has increased the earnings of farm families.
He added that foundation stones for two bio-CNG plants were laid at the event. The goal, he said, is healthy animals, rising milk output and full use of cow dung. Livestock farming, he said, should be seen as a way to increase farmers' income and enrich villages.
Modi said fisheries have also expanded, with seafood exports more than doubling. Cooperatives are being encouraged in fish farming. In beekeeping, honey production has doubled over 12 years, and India is now the second-largest exporter of natural honey, with women's role increasing in this sweet revolution.
He noted that Banaskantha potatoes enjoy global fame. For fruit and vegetable farmers, a cluster development programme has sanctioned 12 clusters. They cover crops including tomato, green chilli, grapes, banana, onion, orange, pomegranate and cocoa, and the project will offer subsidies.
Modi also announced two new train services for Gujarat: the Ahmedabad-Sabarmati-Varanasi Express and the Mehsana-Becharaji-Sabarmati MEMU.
He then targeted the opposition, saying farmers and youth across India are moving forward with a commitment to build a developed India. Some people, he said, cannot tolerate this and want to see the country in trouble. He alleged that their plan was to create chaos in the country to defame 'Modi'.
As a recent example, he cited tensions around Iran and Gulf countries. At a time when India was united in facing the crisis, he said, these people focused on spreading rumours and frightening farmers over fertiliser supplies.
Modi said the conflict continues, but the government has ensured no shortage of fertiliser for farmers. The war has pushed global fertiliser prices up sharply. A urea bag that costs 3,000 rupees worldwide is available to Indian farmers for less than 300 rupees, and DAP, priced above 5,000 rupees globally, is sold to them at 1,350 rupees a bag. He said the country is providing this support so that its farmers are strengthened.
In a world full of uncertainty, Modi said India's rapid growth is a new source of hope, and the country must keep moving along the path of 'One India, Best India'.
Closing his address, the Prime Minister said he had always followed two principles: service to the people as service to the nation, and Gujarat's development as the basis of the country's progress. Whatever he has achieved for the nation, he said, is credited to all citizens, and he will remain in their debt and dedicated to their service. He also urged young people to actively participate in the Run for Unity.