Deesa/Ahmedabad, 30 October (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for several development projects in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district on the first day of his two-day visit to the state. During his visit to Bhildi, he also held a roadshow, interacted with women engaged in animal husbandry and transferred approximately Rs. 19,000 crore to farmers’ bank accounts across the country under the 24th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme.

The Prime Minister arrived at Deesa airport in the morning and proceeded to Bhildi. A large gathering of people assembled to welcome him. During the roadshow, enthusiastic crowds greeted him with slogans and cheers. He subsequently interacted with women engaged in animal husbandry, listened to their experiences and discussed matters concerning the dairy and livestock sectors.

127-Acre Bovine Research Centre Dedicated to the Nation

A major highlight of the programme was the dedication of the Bharat Bovine Breeding and Research Centre (BBBRc), developed across 127 acres in Bhildi, Banaskantha, to the nation.

The state-of-the-art facility will focus on improving cattle and buffalo breeds, advancing genetic development and adopting modern reproductive technologies. Its objective is to accelerate the process of livestock breed improvement by 10 to 20 times. The centre has been specifically developed to conserve and promote the indigenous Kankrej cattle breed.

The Prime Minister also inspected the modern embryo transfer and in-vitro fertilisation (ET-IVF) laboratory established at the centre. During the visit, he interacted with students from the Banaskantha Sainik School, women livestock farmers and local youth.

Foundation Stones Laid for Two Bio-CNG Plants

The foundation stones were also laid for two Bio-CNG plants being established by Banas Dairy at Tharad and Radhanpur.

The facilities will have the capacity to process 75 metric tonnes and 100 metric tonnes of cattle dung per day, respectively. The plants will convert livestock waste into energy, promoting cleaner fuel alternatives while creating additional economic value for cattle dung and offering greater benefits to livestock farmers.

Potato Processing Initiative to Benefit Farmers

The programme also placed emphasis on strengthening the potato processing ecosystem to improve returns for farmers. The initiative envisages an integrated system covering the entire chain, from the supply of certified seeds to the processing of harvested potatoes.

The arrangement is expected to provide farmers with better procurement facilities and more remunerative prices for their produce.

Waste generated during processing will be utilised for biogas production, while the remaining residue will be converted into organic manure and made available to farmers. The initiative aims to expand potato processing, enhance agricultural incomes and encourage exports of value-added potato products.

During his Gujarat visit, the Prime Minister is also inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for development projects worth more than Rs. 14,000 crore across the state. In addition, two new passenger trains were flagged off as part of efforts to improve rail connectivity.

PM Highlights Scale of Farmers’ Gathering

Referring to the massive Khatla Sabha organised for farmers, Modi remarked that such a large gathering, with participants seated on traditional cots, might never have been witnessed anywhere in the world. He described the event as being comparable to a Guinness World Record.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to participate in the National Unity Day celebrations on October 31, commemorating the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar