Taking a strong exception to the Centre’s discriminatory farm policy towards non-Congress ruled States, Chief Minister Narendra Modi today exuded confidence that Gujarat would continue to protect the farmers’ interests through programmes like Krishi Mahotsav.
Speaking at the Krishi Mela for the central Gujarat region at Godhra, he said the month-long Krishi Mahotsav was launched on the auspicious occasion of Akshay Tritiya and is now being observed in every village. The focus here is on animal husbandry and horticulture, looking to the agro-climatic zone in central Gujarat.
Farmers need not take rounds of Taluka offices to get agriculture input kits, through Krushi Rath the kits are being distributed at the doorstep. Line departments have become proactive; they fill-up forms for various government schemes, also identifying right beneficiaries. It delivers other benefits also- The Sharatfer Orders, Vadi Yojana benefit, Khet Talavadi benefits.
Mr. Modi regretted that instead of taking a cue from the Gujarat’s success story, the Centre is indulging in pushing farmers of non-Congress ruled States to input scarcity regime, systematically creating a shortage of seeds, fertilizers, insecticides, water and electricity, denying the farmers remunerative prices, too.
He cited specific examples to drive home his points, like the Centre banning export of cotton to ruin farmers of the leading cotton-growing state like Gujarat. He had written a letter to the Prime Minister to lift the ban but he added that it is unlikely to happen. Now, he said, the Congress at the Centre is contemplating to stop giving credits to farmers.
Mr. Modi on the occasion inaugurated at Godhra the Agricultural Engineering College built by Anand Agricultural University (AAU).
Farmers are motivated to join water conservation drive. Construction of Bori- Bandh, check dams have improved the water tables. They also undertake canal cleaning work, the minor repairs help reaching the water to far end of the canal.
Kheda and Anand district have got benefit of Kadana canal; however, farmers in the command area have determined to adopt drip irrigation. It has a very positive impact on the quality of the crop. It also saves water, energy and labour cost. Many farmers confirmed that they inject fertilizer with water; the fertilizer reaches directly to the roots, which saves the input cost.
He had earlier addressed Krish Melas for north and south Gujarat regions at Himatnagar and Motaponda respectively. Nearly one lakh karma yogis, including 700 agricultural scientists from the four state agricultural universities, are covering the 18,000 villages in the State during the Mahotsav, creating awareness about the latest developments in agriculture.
Agriculture Minister Dileepbhai Sanghani said that it was due to the Krishi Mahotsav being held for the last seven years to take the benefits of latest agricultural research to the farms that the state’s agricultural production has increased to Rs.58.000-crore. He said that nearly 2,700 animal fairs are also held in the state every year to check spread of diseases among the cattle.
He said that the Gujarat Government has allocated Rs.17,225-crore under the ambitious Vanbandhu Yojna for all round development of the tribal people living in the eastern belt of the state, extending from Ambaji to Umargam.
He described tribal farmers of Dahod having grown one lakh tonnes of ginger as one of the significant success stories of Krishi Mahotsav.
Minister of State for Roads and Building Jaydrathsinh Parmar welcomed the guests and Minister of State for Education Jaysinh Chauhan proposed a vote of thanks.
The Chief Minister and other Ministers honoured progressive farmers of the region, unveiled informative booklets published by AAU and distributed farm kits and loans to beneficiaries. Several institutions collectively donated a cheque of Rs.12.99-lakh to the Chief Minister’s Kanya Kelavni Nidhi.
If one takes a glimpse on statistics- number of farmers got benefit of input-kits, other scheme benefits, equipment demonstration, and the sanitation drives- it may be a record that the State machinery has proactively reached up to every farmer.
Many farmers confess that if they grow millet in one hectare, they earn only Rs 15000/, but by cultivating banana, capsicum and other cash crops they have earned Rs 60,000/ to Rs 100000/ from the same soul. Their interactions with the scientists have given them an opportunity to gain knowledge, it has resolved many issues. It has helped put Gujarat among the fastest growing state having double digit growth rate in agriculture.
Prominent among those present on the occasion included Ministers of State Kanubhai Bhalala, Jashwantsinh Bhabhor, Parsottam Solanki, MPs Prabhatsinh Chauhan, Ramsinh Rathwa, Prabhaben Taviad, MLAs Arvindsinh Rathod, Fatesinh Chauhan, Jethabhai Bhrawad and Tusharsinh Maharaulji, Principal Agriculture Secretary R.K. Tripathy, In-charge Secretary J.P. Gupta, District Collector Milind Torwane, DDO Rashmikaben Patel, State Women Commission chairwoman Lilaben Ankolia and AAU Vice-Chancellor M.M. Shaikh, among others.
Text of PM Modi's address to the Indian Community in Guyana
November 22, 2024
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The Indian diaspora in Guyana has made an impact across many sectors and contributed to Guyana’s development: PM
You can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out of an Indian: PM
Three things, in particular, connect India and Guyana deeply,Culture, cuisine and cricket: PM
India's journey over the past decade has been one of scale, speed and sustainability: PM
India’s growth has not only been inspirational but also inclusive: PM
I always call our diaspora the Rashtradoots,They are Ambassadors of Indian culture and values: PM
Your Excellency President Irfan Ali, Prime Minister Mark Philips, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, Former President Donald Ramotar, Members of the Guyanese Cabinet, Members of the Indo-Guyanese Community,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Namaskar!
Seetaram !
I am delighted to be with all of you today.First of all, I want to thank President Irfan Ali for joining us.I am deeply touched by the love and affection given to me since my arrival.I thank President Ali for opening the doors of his home to me.
I thank his family for their warmth and kindness. The spirit of hospitality is at the heart of our culture. I could feel that, over the last two days. With President Ali and his grandmother, we also planted a tree. It is part of our initiative, "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam", that is, "a tree for mother”. It was an emotional moment that I will always remember.
Friends,
I was deeply honoured to receive the ‘Order of Excellence’, the highest national award of Guyana. I thank the people of Guyana for this gesture. This is an honour of 1.4 billion Indians. It is the recognition of the 3 lakh strong Indo-Guyanese community and their contributions to the development of Guyana.
Friends,
I have great memories of visiting your wonderful country over two decades ago. At that time, I held no official position. I came to Guyana as a traveller, full of curiosity. Now, I have returned to this land of many rivers as the Prime Minister of India. A lot of things have changed between then and now. But the love and affection of my Guyanese brothers and sisters remains the same! My experience has reaffirmed - you can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out of an Indian.
Friends,
Today, I visited the India Arrival Monument. It brings to life, the long and difficult journey of your ancestors nearly two centuries ago. They came from different parts of India. They brought with them different cultures, languages and traditions. Over time, they made this new land their home. Today, these languages, stories and traditions are part of the rich culture of Guyana.
I salute the spirit of the Indo-Guyanese community. You fought for freedom and democracy. You have worked to make Guyana one of the fastest growing economies. From humble beginnings you have risen to the top. Shri Cheddi Jagan used to say: "It matters not what a person is born, but who they choose to be.”He also lived these words. The son of a family of labourers, he went on to become a leader of global stature.
President Irfan Ali, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, former President Donald Ramotar, they are all Ambassadors of the Indo Guyanese community. Joseph Ruhomon, one of the earliest Indo-Guyanese intellectuals, Ramcharitar Lalla, one of the first Indo-Guyanese poets, Shana Yardan, the renowned woman poet, Many such Indo-Guyanese made an impact on academics and arts, music and medicine.
Friends,
Our commonalities provide a strong foundation to our friendship. Three things, in particular, connect India and Guyana deeply. Culture, cuisine and cricket! Just a couple of weeks ago, I am sure you all celebrated Diwali. And in a few months, when India celebrates Holi, Guyana will celebrate Phagwa.
This year, the Diwali was special as Ram Lalla returned to Ayodhya after 500 years. People in India remember that the holy water and shilas from Guyana were also sent to build the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Despite being oceans apart, your cultural connection with Mother India is strong.
I could feel this when I visited the Arya Samaj Monument and Saraswati Vidya Niketan School earlier today. Both India and Guyana are proud of our rich and diverse culture. We see diversity as something to be celebrated, not just accommodated. Our countries are showing how cultural diversity is our strength.
Friends,
Wherever people of India go, they take one important thing along with them. The food! The Indo-Guyanese community also has a unique food tradition which has both Indian and Guyanese elements. I am aware that Dhal Puri is popular here! The seven-curry meal that I had at President Ali’s home was delicious. It will remain a fond memory for me.
Friends,
The love for cricket also binds our nations strongly. It is not just a sport. It is a way of life, deeply embedded in our national identity. The Providence National Cricket Stadium in Guyana stands as a symbol of our friendship.
Kanhai, Kalicharan, Chanderpaul are all well-known names in India. Clive Lloyd and his team have been a favourite of many generations. Young players from this region also have a huge fan base in India. Some of these great cricketers are here with us today. Many of our cricket fans enjoyed the T-20 World Cup that you hosted this year.
Your cheers for the ‘Team in Blue’ at their match in Guyana could be heard even back home in India!
Friends,
This morning, I had the honour of addressing the Guyanese Parliament. Coming from the Mother of Democracy, I felt the spiritual connect with one of the most vibrant democracies in the Caribbean region. We have a shared history that binds us together. Common struggle against colonial rule, love for democratic values, And, respect for diversity.
We have a shared future that we want to create. Aspirations for growth and development, Commitment towards economy and ecology, And, belief in a just and inclusive world order.
Friends,
I know the people of Guyana are well-wishers of India. You would be closely watching the progress being made in India. India’s journey over the past decade has been one of scale, speed and sustainability.
In just 10 years, India has grown from the tenth largest economy to the fifth largest. And, soon, we will become the third-largest. Our youth have made us the third largest start-up ecosystem in the world. India is a global hub for e-commerce, AI, fintech, agriculture, technology and more.
We have reached Mars and the Moon. From highways to i-ways, airways to railways, we are building state of art infrastructure. We have a strong service sector. Now, we are also becoming stronger in manufacturing. India has become the second largest mobile manufacturer in the world.
Friends,
India’s growth has not only been inspirational but also inclusive. Our digital public infrastructure is empowering the poor. We opened over 500 million bank accounts for the people. We connected these bank accounts with digital identity and mobiles. Due to this, people receive assistance directly in their bank accounts. Ayushman Bharat is the world’s largest free health insurance scheme. It is benefiting over 500 million people.
We have built over 30 million homes for those in need. In just one decade, we have lifted 250 million people out of poverty. Even among the poor, our initiatives have benefited women the most. Millions of women are becoming grassroots entrepreneurs, generating jobs and opportunities.
Friends,
While all this massive growth was happening, we also focused on sustainability. In just a decade, our solar energy capacity grew 30-fold ! Can you imagine ?We have moved towards green mobility, with 20 percent ethanol blending in petrol.
At the international level too, we have played a central role in many initiatives to combat climate change. The International Solar Alliance, The Global Biofuels Alliance, The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Many of these initiatives have a special focus on empowering the Global South.
We have also championed the International Big Cat Alliance. Guyana, with its majestic Jaguars, also stands to benefit from this.
Friends,
Last year, we had hosted President Irfaan Ali as the Chief Guest of the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas. We also received Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo in India. Together, we have worked to strengthen bilateral cooperation in many areas.
Today, we have agreed to widen the scope of our collaboration -from energy to enterprise,Ayurveda to agriculture, infrastructure to innovation, healthcare to human resources, anddata to development. Our partnership also holds significant value for the wider region. The second India-CARICOM summit held yesterday is testament to the same.
As members of the United Nations, we both believe in reformed multilateralism. As developing countries, we understand the power of the Global South. We seek strategic autonomy and support inclusive development. We prioritize sustainable development and climate justice. And, we continue to call for dialogue and diplomacy to address global crises.
Friends,
I always call our diaspora the Rashtradoots. An Ambassador is a Rajdoot, but for me you are all Rashtradoots. They are Ambassadors of Indian culture and values. It is said that no worldly pleasure can compare to the comfort of a mother’s lap.
You, the Indo-Guyanese community, are doubly blessed. You have Guyana as your motherland and Bharat Mata as your ancestral land. Today, when India is a land of opportunities, each one of you can play a bigger role in connecting our two countries.
Friends,
Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz has been launched. I call upon you to participate. Also encourage your friends from Guyana. It will be a good opportunity to understand India, its values, culture and diversity.
Friends,
Next year, from 13 January to 26 February, Maha Kumbh will be held at Prayagraj. I invite you to attend this gathering with families and friends. You can travel to Basti or Gonda, from where many of you came. You can also visit the Ram Temple at Ayodhya. There is another invite.
It is for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas that will be held in Bhubaneshwar in January. If you come, you can also take the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath in Puri. Now with so many events and invitations, I hope to see many of you in India soon. Once again, thank you all for the love and affection you have shown me.
Thank you. Thank you very much.
And special thanks to my friend Ali. Thanks a lot.
