"Shri Narendra Modi addresses Krishi Mahotsav in Dahod district"
"Credit for Gujarat’s agriculture revolution goes to small and medium farmers of Gujarat: Shri Narendra Modi"
"There was a time when the elders were involved in farming. But today, youngsters between the ages of 30 and 35 years are drawn towards agriculture. Educated people are turning to farming. This is a big thing: CM"
"Congress created a polity where they were interested in the chair and not the well being of our farmers. Congress did Kursi Bhakti whereas we are engaged in Krishi Bhakti: Shri Modi"
" Kheti seems to be out of the dictionary of our farmers from Tribal communities. They say we are doing ‘Phulwari’ and are growing flowers. This is a revolution: Shri Modi"
"Gujarat’s success in milk production has helped the women on the state a lot: Shri Modi"
Addressing farmers during the zonal Krishi Mahotsav at Limkheda in Dahod district on Monday 27th May 2013, Shri Narendra Modi credited the small and medium farmers of Gujarat with the agriculture revolution in Gujarat during the last decade. “95% of our farmers are small or medium sized farmers. We do not have any big zamindars. This agriculture revolution in Gujarat is due to our small farmers!” he affirmed. He also urged the farmers to look beyond farming and even focus towards animal husbandry and growing of trees. Shri Modi stated that with the population increasing and the land remaining constant, the only way ahead for our farmers is to increase productivity using latest technology. He described Krishi Mahotsav as an effort in this regard and asked the farmers to visit the exhibits and absorb as much information as they can from the experts and scientists.
The Chief Minister expressed joy in the fact that more and more youngsters are taking to agriculture. He affirmed, “There was a time when the elders were involved in farming. The young ones worked elsewhere and only took rounds of the field. But today, youngsters between the ages of 30 and 35 years are drawn towards agriculture. Educated people are turning to farming. This is a big thing.”
Comparing the approach of the present state government with that of the preceding Congress governments vis-à-vis agriculture, Shri Modi said, “Congress created a polity where they were interested in the chair and not the well being of our farmers. Congress did Kursi Bhakti whereas we are engaged in Krishi Bhakti,” and added, “Those spreading lies everyday and only playing power politics will never understand the efforts we are putting in.” The Chief Minister recalled how preceding Congress governments gave a loan of five hens to ‘empower’ the farmer but in a matter of weeks its meat was eaten by visiting officials. “This is what they did. We brought a change. We want to give loans of tractors, loans of machines, we want to give loans so that children of the Tribal communities can go overseas and study,” the Chief Minister avowed.
Shri Modi also shared how earlier Congress regimes ignored the water problems of the state. He said, “If the earlier Governments had worked on the water situation, our farmers would have prospered but they did not do that. Congress leaders came to me and said there is no water but it is not as if we cut the taps they made! Infact, we are doing what they did not (in giving more water to our people).” The Chief Minister further shared that a sum of Rs. 3400 has been given for water-related issues only for the areas that are dominated by the Tribal communities. Shri Modi pointed out that the Congress has been in power at the Centre for the last nine years but has failed to take any step to add even a kilogram of fertilizers.
During his speech, the Chief Minister talked at length about the initiatives of the state Government for the welfare of the tribal communities and the farmers such as the Vanlakshmi Yojana and Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana. He pointed that the Budget for Vanbandhu Yojana was Rs. 15,000 crore earlier but now it is Rs. 40,000 crore. He shared that earlier, the innocent farmers were totally dependent on traditional agriculture methods and on rainfall for water but that is changing now. Shri Modi talked about how farmers from the Tribal communities are cultivating corn, soya bean, turmeric and garlic. He said, “I saw different types of onions and chilies also being cultivated. Experts from Anand’s agriculture university told me that in 1 Bhiga land, saffron is being grown in greenhouses and that too in 40 degrees. I want my farmer friends to know this. Infact, now Kheti seems to be out of the dictionary of our farmers from Tribal communities. They say we are doing ‘Phulwari’ and are growing flowers. This is a revolution.” The Chief Minister recalled that there was a time when people from Dahod and surrounding areas went to other places and built roads but today this region is producing road contractors and the strength for this came from agriculture.
The Chief Minister avowed that forest fires were common a decade ago but with farmers leaning how to use leaves, that has become history. He also said that animal husbandry has been given an impetus and there has been a revolution in milk production, which has particularly benefitted the women of Gujarat.
On the occasion Shri Modi met several progressive farmers and honored them for their commendable work. Progressive farmers presented Shri Modi with their produce and also with tokens of their affection. Shri Modi thanked them and said that the gifts that he gets are put in the state treasury and the money goes to Kanya Kelavani initiative. Ministers Shri Bhupendrasinh Chudasama and Shri Babubhai Bokhiria were present on the occasion.
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.
