Delhi, 29 May (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan via videoconferencing, calling it a significant initiative to support agricultural development. He noted that as the monsoon approaches, 2000 teams comprising scientists, experts, officials, and progressive farmers will engage with farmers across 700+ districts in the coming weeks. Modi acknowledged the evolving dynamics of the agricultural sector, emphasizing the need for substantial transformation alongside state-led policies. He stressed that while Indian farmers have achieved record production, modern reforms in collaboration with states are imperative. The campaign aims to transition scientific advancements from lab to field to equip farmers with updated agricultural knowledge. PM Modi praised agricultural scientists and progressive farmers for their impactful innovations and emphasized the importance of disseminating this knowledge to the larger farming community. He highlighted critical issues such as ensuring fair prices for farmers, aligning crop production with national needs, and positioning India as a global food supplier. Addressing climate change, he called for enhancing grain production with sustainable practices and modernizing farming techniques. Over the last decade, the government has made significant efforts in these areas, and he encouraged campaign participants to maximize farmer awareness regarding modern agricultural advancements.
The Prime Minister emphasized the need for farmers to explore additional income sources beyond conventional agriculture. He highlighted initiatives such as installing solar panels along field boundaries to create extra revenue and the Sweet Revolution, advocating for increased participation in beekeeping to benefit more farmers. The conversion of agricultural residues into energy was also mentioned as a way to transform waste into wealth. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of identifying appropriate areas for cultivating 'Shri Anna' and enhancing value addition in agricultural products. He noted that even non-milking cattle are contributing to the economy through the Gobardhan Yojana, which creates income-generating opportunities. He called for increased farmer awareness about these innovations to maximize participation and benefits.
PM Modi reinforced the idea that agriculture should be a cornerstone of a developed India and encouraged farmers to engage with scientists for valuable insights. He asked scientists and officials to go beyond routine duties, reflecting a commitment to national service, and to comprehensively address farmers' inquiries while documenting their suggestions. He stated that the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan will pave new paths for progress in agriculture, driving modernization and concluded by extending his best wishes to all stakeholders involved.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
