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India has had a glorious maritime history. We are on the path of shaping an even better maritime future: PM

Published By : Admin | April 14, 2016 | 11:00 IST
QuotePM Modi Inaugurates the Maritime India Summit, 2016
QuoteMaritime transport can be the most extensive mode of transport. It is also the most eco-friendly mode of transport: PM
QuoteDr. Babasaheb Ambedkar is the architect of water and river navigation policy in India: PM
QuoteI offer my profound respects to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on this auspicious day: PM
QuoteBabasaheb created two powerful institutions related to water, navigation and power: PM
QuoteWith a GDP growth rate of more than seven percent, India is the fastest growing major economy today: PM
QuoteWe Indians are inheritors of a glorious maritime heritage: PM
QuoteIt is my Government’s endeavour to revive and restore India’s position of eminence in the global maritime sector: PM
QuoteOur vision is to increase port capacity from 1400 million tonnes to 3000 million tonnes by 2025: PM
QuoteIndia has had a glorious maritime history. We are on the path of shaping an even better maritime future: PM

Hon. Governor of Maharashtra;

Hon. Chief Minister of Maharashtra;

His Excellency Mr. Kim Young-Suk, Minister of the Republic of Korea

Our Union Minister for Shipping, Mr. Nitin Gadkari

Other Dignitaries on the dais;

Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen!

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I have great pleasure in being with you and welcoming you at the Maritime India Summit. This is the first time that a global event of such a large scale is being organised by India. I extend a warm welcome to all the esteemed guests attending this event in the maritime hub of India. I am sure, this event; together with the seminars and exhibition, will showcase the emerging trends and opportunities in the maritime sector.

We all know that oceans cover more than seventy percent of the Earth's surface. We also know that oceans contain ninety-seven percent of the Earth's water. Therefore, maritime transport can be the most extensive mode of transport. It is also the most eco-friendly mode of transport. However, there is one more aspect to this fact. Which is that, oceans contain ninety nine percent of the living space on the planet. This means that our lifestyle, transport systems and trading behavior should not spoil the ecology of the oceans. Also, maritime security, freedom of navigation and safety and security of sea lanes is equally important.

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The challenges of climate change have shown that even offshore human behavior can change the ecology of glaciers and oceans. This is already causing a lot of concern for island countries and coastal communities in particular. I hope this summit will deliberate on these issues while discussing economic issues related with oceans. The elimination of sea piracy, which was a big threat to international shipping a few years ago, is a good example of how joint efforts by maritime nations can achieve outstanding results.

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Friends! There is a reason why this important Summit has been organised today, on the 14th of April 2016. Today is the 125th birth anniversary of a great son of India who also lived and worked in Mumbai. I am referring to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who was the architect of our Constitution. He is also the architect of the water and river navigation policy in India. I offer my profound respects to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on this auspicious day. I also wish and pray that his wisdom continues to guide us in our efforts towards nation building.

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Many of us may not know that Babasaheb created two powerful institutions related to water, navigation and power. They were:  The Central Waterways, Irrigation and Navigation Commission and The Central Technical Power Board. His observations while setting up these two organizations is a testimony to his great foresight.  

I quote from his address on 3rd January, 1945:

“The objects which have led to the setting up of two organizations are to advise on how the water resources can be best utilized and how a project can be made to serve purposes other than irrigation.”

Dr Ambedkar had emphasized the importance of the new waterways policy in order to lay the foundation for a regime of prosperity for the millions of poor of our country. I am happy to state that we have embarked on the development of National Waterways in keeping with Babasaheb’s vision and foresight. With a GDP growth rate of more than seven percent, India is the fastest growing major economy today. The IMF and the World Bank have indicated even better prospects in the days to come. We are taking aggressive steps to ensure that our process of growth is both fast as well as inclusive. This summit is another step to realize Babasaheb’s dream of an economically strong, socially empowered and technologically equipped India.  

I understand that more than 4500 dignitaries and delegates from around forty countries are participating in this Summit. I am particularly happy that the Republic of Korea is the Partner Country for this event. I thank the President of Korea and also the senior Minister, Mr. Kim Young-Suk who is present here.

Friends! We Indians are inheritors of a glorious maritime heritage.  The world’s first dock was built at Lothal in Gujarat around 2500 BC during the Harappan Civilisation. This dock was equipped to berth and service ships. It was built after studying tidal flows.

In addition to Lothal, there were also some other Indian ports, which were major drivers of global maritime trade two thousand years ago. These included:

  • Barygaza - which today is known as Bharuch in Gujarat;
  • Muziris which today is known as Kodungallur near Cochin in Kerala;
  • Korkai which is today’s Tuticorin;
  • Kaveripattinam which is in Nagapattanam District of Tamil Nadu;
  • andArikamedu which is in Ariyankuppam District of Puducherry
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There are many references in ancient Indian literature and in Greek and Roman works about the vibrant maritime trade of India with Rome, Greece, Egypt and Arabia. Ancient and medieval Indian traders maintained links with countries in Southeast and East Asia, Africa, Arabia and Europe. 

Friends! Since my government took over, among other things, we have laid emphasis on building futuristic infrastructure. This includes building next generation infrastructure in many sectors. Port, Shipping and Maritime infrastructure is prominent among them. It is my Government’s endeavour to revive and restore India’s position of eminence in the global maritime sector.

Building upon our glorious maritime tradition, we are working hard to achieve new heights in this area. In the very early days of our Government, we announced the Sagarmala programme. This is aimed at leveraging our long coastline and natural maritime advantages. It also focuses on promoting port led development, energizing the coastal economy and infrastructure development in these areas. We particularly want to modernize our ports and integrate them with Special Economic Zones, Port based Smart Cities, Industrial Parks, Warehouses, Logistics Parks and Transport Corridors.

I must mention that our vast coastline of 7500 kilometers offers a huge investment opportunity. Apart from the length of the coastline, India's maritime potential also lies in its strategic location on all major shipping highways. In addition, we have an expansive and productive hinterland, through which flows a network of mighty rivers. Our maritime agenda will complement this ambitious infrastructure plan for the hinterland which is going on in parallel.

I call upon the global business community to partner with us to give shape to our process of port led development. I am sure, the long coastline of India along with diverse coastal regions and hard working coastal communities can become an engine of growth of India.

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To enable the growth of the port and related sectors, we have carried out several reforms and taken a number of new initiatives.

  • Under our ‘Make in India’ approach, we have taken many steps to make India a global manufacturing hub;
  • Recently MOODY’s has appreciated the Make in India initiative;
  • We have done a lot of corrections on the front of Ease of doing business - we have jumped up 12 ranks in World Bank’s ranking;
  • A lot of simplification has happened in the processes for cross border trade;
  • We have greatly liberalized the licensing regimes; This also includes the defence sector and ship building therein;
  • We have taken almost sixty per cent of the defence items out of the licensing process
  • Most of the FDI sectors are now put on automatic approval route;
  • Shipyards are being given Infrastructure status; at par with the ports;
  • Rebate of service tax on coastal shipping has been increased to seventy per cent;
  • We have granted customs duty and central excise exemption on inputs used in ship building;
  • A scheme of financial assistance to promote ship building has been approved;  
  • Customs and central excise duties have been exempted on bunker fuel for Indian flagged container ships;
  • Tax issues of sea farers have been resolved;
  • A new company by the name of Indian Port Rail Corporation, has been established to focus on the last mile connectivity to ports.
  • We have enacted a legislation for declaring one hundred and eleven waterways as National Waterways-1.
  • We have taken up skill development activities aggressively.

The results of our initial efforts are clearly visible:

  • FDI inflows have gone up by 44 per cent since this government took over. In fact, the year 2015-16 has seen the highest ever FDI inflow into India;
  • India’s highest ever quantity of cargo handled by major ports was in 2015;
  • The port efficiency parameters have shown very good improvement;  
  • India’s fastest average turnaround time in ports was in 2015;  
  • In the last two years, our Major Ports have added 165 million tonne capacity with record additions each year; 
  • 94 million tonne capacity was added by these ports in 2015-16 alone which is the highest ever;
  • The traffic in Major Ports has shown a healthy growth of more than four per cent in the last two years, despite global slowdown;
  • The performance of the Major Ports in the last two years has been remarkable;
  • Operating Profit margins which were declining, have increased;
  • In 2015-16 alone, the operating profit of the twelve Major Ports has increased by nearly 6.7 billion rupees;  
  • During 2015-16, Kandla Port in Gujarat breached the one hundred million traffic landmark and displayed twenty per cent improvement in efficiency. 
  • Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust registered a net profit of ten billion rupees helped by a twelve per cent increase in efficiency.
  • Our flagship companies like the Shipping Corporation, Dredging Corporation and the Cochin Shipyard have registered higher profits as compared to the previous year.
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However, this is just the beginning. We want to do more. We are enhancing our own capacities of execution and implementation. The National Perspective Plan of the Sagarmala Programme has been released today.  During the last two years, major ports have awarded 56 new Projects involving an investment of more than 250 billion rupees. This will create an additional port capacity of 317 million tonnes per annum.  Our vision is to increase port capacity from 1400 million tonnes to 3000 million tonnes by 2025. We want to mobilize an investment of one lakh crore, or one trillion rupees, in the Port Sector to enable this growth. Five new ports are planned to meet the increasing demand of the Exim trade which will rise in proportion with the fast-growing Indian economy. New ports are also being developed by several coastal States of India.

The multiple measures to promote Coastal Shipping coupled with the anticipated rise in domestic production of coal, is expected to enhance coastal transportation of coal by at least four fold by 2025. We are engaging with our immediate and regional neighbours to promote shipping and maritime security. Recently India has signed a Coastal Shipping Agreement with Bangladesh which will be mutually beneficial. India is also engaged in the development of Chahbahar Port in Iran. A special purpose vehicle by the name India Ports Global Limited has been established to take up Maritime Projects overseas.

I am informed that the Ministry of Shipping is showcasing about 250 projects with investment opportunity in the Maritime Sector. These projects include various infrastructure development opportunities in 12 Major Ports, projects in eight maritime states and other agencies. Of these, over 100 projects have been identified under the Sagarmala Programme. With more than 14,000 kilometers of navigable inland waterways in the country, there is tremendous potential for development in this sector. My Government is committed to integration in infrastructure. We are also committed to creating an enabling environment for investors and to facilitate investments with an open mind.

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Friends! All this is being done to benefit the common man. This is being done to provide employment to the youth. This is particularly being done to empower coastal communities. Approximately eighteen percent of India’s population lives in 72 coastal districts. It comprises twelve percent of India’s landmass. Therefore, there is a need for holistic and sustainable development of coastal regions and communities. Development of coastal communities especially fishermen requires an integrated approach. As part of the Sagarmala programme, we will adopt a comprehensive approach with focus on capacity building and training, upgrading of technology and for improving physical and social infrastructure. This will be done in collaboration with the coastal states.

These initiatives will create employment opportunities of approximately ten million jobs over the next ten years. This includes four million direct and six million indirect jobs. To broaden livelihood opportunities further, we are planning to deploy modern and sophisticated fishing vessels. This would enable them to harness resources in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone. In addition, we are also focusing on value addition in fisheries, aquaculture and cold chain development.

The Port Sector in India is a good mix of Private and Public Ports, with both contributing to the growth of the sector. The PPP model of development has been quite successful in this sector and has helped in bringing latest technology and best practices. Private Ports have been growing at a very healthy pace and have nearly doubled their capacity in the last 5 years. They handle around 45 per cent of the total cargo. Most of these Ports are new, with modern facilities and can match the best international Ports in terms of performance and infrastructure.

Friends! India has had a glorious maritime history. We are on the path of shaping an even better maritime future. The maritime sector not only creates and facilitates economic activities; it also connects countries and civilizations. Moreover, it is the cleanest and cheapest carrier of global trade. Investing in maritime sector is not only investing in one’s own future; but in the future of the planet and that of coming generations. However, in this sector, no country can achieve the desired results in isolation. Nations have to collaborate to realize this potential and to overcome challenges in this sector. The objective of this Summit is to provide a platform and forum for such cooperation.

To conclude, I would like to say that:

  • This is the right time to come to India;
  • It is even better to come through the sea route;
  • The Indian ship is well equipped for a long haul;
  • Don’t miss it;
  • Missing it means missing a pleasant journey and a great destination.
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Once you are here, I assure you that I will personally hold your hands to see that your berthing is safe, secure and satisfactory.

Thank You!

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QuoteDr. Swaminathan went beyond biodiversity and gave the visionary concept of bio-happiness: PM
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My Cabinet colleague, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan; Chairperson of the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, Dr Soumya Swaminathan; Member of NITI Aayog, Dr Ramesh Chand; I also see that many members of the Swaminathan family are present here—I extend my respectful greetings to them as well. All scientists, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen!

There are certain personalities whose contributions are not confined to a specific era or a particular geography. Professor M. S. Swaminathan was one such eminent scientist, a devoted son of Maa Bharati. He transformed science into a medium of public service. He dedicated his life to ensuring the nation’s food security. He awakened a consciousness that will continue to shape Bharat's policies and priorities for centuries to come.

I extend my greetings to all of you on the occasion of the Swaminathan Centenary Celebrations.

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Friends,

Today, 7th August, also marks National Handloom Day. Over the past ten years, the handloom sector has gained new recognition and strength across the country. I convey my greetings to all of you and to those associated with the handloom sector on this National Handloom Day.

Friends,

My association with Dr Swaminathan dates back many years. Many are aware of the earlier conditions in Gujarat—agriculture there often faced severe challenges due to droughts and cyclones, and the desert of Kutch was steadily expanding. During my tenure as Chief Minister, we began work on the Soil Health Card scheme. I vividly recall that Professor Swaminathan had shown immense interest in the initiative. He generously offered his suggestions and guided us. His contributions greatly helped in the success of this effort. It was nearly twenty years ago that I visited the centre of his research foundation in Tamil Nadu. In 2017, I had the opportunity to release his book 'The Quest for a World Without Hunger'. In 2018, when the Regional Centre of the International Rice Research Institute was inaugurated in Varanasi, we once again benefited from his guidance. Every meeting with him was a learning experience for me. He once said, “Science is not just about discovery, but delivery,” and he demonstrated this through his actions. He did not limit himself to research; he also inspired farmers to adopt new agricultural practices. Even today, his approach and ideas are visible across Bharat's agriculture sector. He was, in the truest sense, a jewel of Maa Bharati. I consider it my honour that our government had the opportunity to confer upon Dr Swaminathan the Bharat Ratna.

Friends,

Dr Swaminathan launched a mission to make Bharat self-reliant in food production. Yet, his identity extended beyond the Green Revolution. He continuously raised awareness among farmers about the rising use of chemicals in farming and the risks of monoculture farming. In other words, while he worked to increase grain production, he was equally concerned about the environment and Mother Earth. To strike a balance between the two and to address these challenges, he introduced the concept of the Green Revolution. He proposed the idea of 'bio-villages', which could empower rural communities and farmers. He promoted concepts like 'community seed banks' and 'opportunity crops'.

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Friends,

Dr Swaminathan believed that the solution to challenges like climate change and nutrition lies in the very crops we have forgotten. His focus was on drought tolerance and salt tolerance. He began work on millets—Shree Anna—at a time when no one gave them much importance. Years ago, Dr Swaminathan had recommended that the genetic traits of mangroves be transferred to rice, so that crops would become more climate-resilient. Today, as we speak of climate adaptation, we realise just how far ahead he was in his thinking.

Friends,

Today, biodiversity is a global concern, and governments around the world are taking numerous measures to protect it. But Dr Swaminathan went a step further and gave us the idea of 'biohappiness'. Today, we are here to celebrate that very concept. Dr Swaminathan used to say that the power of biodiversity could bring about a significant transformation in the lives of local communities; that through the use of local resources, new means of livelihood could be created. True to his nature, he was an expert at implementing his ideas on the ground. Through his research foundation, he consistently strove to bring the benefits of new discoveries to the farmers. Our small-scale farmers, our fishermen, our tribal communities—all have benefitted immensely from his efforts.

Friends,

Today, I am particularly pleased that the 'M. S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace' has been instituted to honour Professor Swaminathan’s legacy. This international award will be presented to individuals from developing countries who have made significant contributions in the field of food security. Food and peace—the relationship between the two is not only philosophical but also deeply practical. In our Upanishads, it is stated: अन्नम् न निन्द्यात्, तद् व्रतम्। प्राणो वा अन्नम्। शरीरम् अन्नादम्। प्राणे शरीरम् प्रतिष्ठितम्। That is, one must not disrespect food. Food supports life.

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Therefore, friends,

If there is a crisis of food, then there is a crisis of life. And when the lives of lakhs are at risk, global unrest naturally follows. This is why the ‘M. S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace’ is of utmost importance. I heartily congratulate the first recipient of this award, the talented scientist from Nigeria, Professor Akinwumi Adesina.

Friends,

Today, Indian agriculture has reached great heights, and I am certain that wherever Dr Swaminathan is, he would be proud. Today, Bharat ranks first in the production of milk, pulses, and jute. Bharat is second in the production of rice, wheat, cotton, fruits, and vegetables. Bharat is also the world's second-largest producer of fish. Last year, Bharat recorded its highest-ever food grain production. We are also setting new records in oilseeds. The production of soybean, mustard, and groundnut has risen to record levels.

Friends,

For us, the welfare of our farmers is of the highest priority. Bharat will never compromise on the interests of its farmers, livestock rearers, and fishermen. And I am fully aware that I may have to pay a very heavy price personally, but I am prepared for it. For the farmers of my country, for the fishermen of my country, for the livestock rearers of my country, Bharat stands ready today. We are continuously working towards increasing farmers’ incomes, reducing their agricultural expenditure, and creating new sources of income.

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Friends,

Our government has regarded the strength of farmers as the foundation of the nation's progress. That is why the policies framed in recent years have not merely extended assistance, but have also sought to build trust among farmers. The direct financial support provided through the PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi has empowered small farmers with self-confidence. The PM Fasal Bima Yojana has given them protection from risk. Issues related to irrigation have been addressed through the PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana. The creation of 10,000 FPOs has enhanced the collective strength of small farmers. Financial support to cooperatives and self-help groups has given fresh momentum to the rural economy. Thanks to e-NAM, it has become easier for farmers to sell their produce. The PM Kisan Sampada Yojana has accelerated the establishment of new food processing units and storage infrastructure. Recently, the PM Dhan Dhanya Yojana has also been approved. Under this scheme, 100 districts where agriculture has remained backward have been selected. By providing infrastructure and financial assistance to farmers in these districts, a new sense of confidence is being instilled in farming.

Friends,

21st-century Bharat is working with full dedication to become a developed nation. And this goal will be achieved only through the contribution of every class, every profession. Taking inspiration from Dr Swaminathan, our scientists now have yet another opportunity to create history. The scientists of the previous generation ensured food security—now there is a need to focus on nutritional security. We must promote bio-fortified and nutrition-rich crops on a large scale to improve people’s health. We must also demonstrate greater urgency in reducing the use of chemicals and promoting natural farming.

Friends,

You are well aware of the challenges related to climate change. We must develop as many varieties of climate-resilient crops as possible. The focus must be on drought-tolerant, heat-resistant, and flood-adaptive crops. More research is required on crop rotation, and on identifying which crops are best suited to which soil types. Alongside this, we must also develop affordable soil testing tools and effective methods of nutrient management.

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Friends,

We need to do much more in the field of solar-powered micro-irrigation. We must make drip systems and precision irrigation more widespread and effective. Can we integrate satellite data, AI, and machine learning? Can we develop a system that can forecast crop yields, monitor pests, and guide sowing? Can such a real-time decision support system be made available in every district? All of you must continue guiding agri-tech startups. Today, a large number of innovative young people are working to solve the problems faced in agriculture. If you, with your experience, continue to mentor them, the products they develop will be more impactful and more user-friendly.

Friends,

Our farmers and farming communities possess a treasure trove of traditional knowledge. By integrating traditional Indian agricultural practices with modern science, a holistic knowledge base can be created. Crop diversification is today a national priority. We must explain to our farmers its significance. We must convey what the benefits are, and also what the consequences of not adopting it might be. And in this task, you are best placed to make a real impact.

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Friends,

Last year, when I visited the Pusa campus on 11th August, I had urged that efforts be increased to take agricultural technology from the 'lab to the land'. I am pleased that the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan was launched during May–June. For the first time, scientists' teams—around 2,200 in number—participated across more than 700 districts in the country. Over 60,000 programmes were conducted, and, more importantly, direct engagement was established with around 1.25 crore aware and informed farmers. This effort by our scientists to reach more and more farmers is truly commendable.

Friends,

Dr M. S. Swaminathan taught us that agriculture is not just about crops—agriculture is life itself. The dignity of every individual connected to the field, the well-being of every farming community, and the protection of nature—these form the very strength of our government's agricultural policy. We must weave together science and society, place the interests of the small farmer at the heart of our efforts, and empower the women who work in the fields. Let us move ahead with this very goal in mind, with the inspiration of Dr Swaminathan guiding us all.

Once again, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you on this special occasion.

Thank you very much.