"Shri Narendra Modi addresses Krishi Mahotsav in Bharuch"
"Need of the hour is to integrate technology into farming: Shri Modi"
"There are 122 animal diseases that have been completely eliminated from Gujarat: Shri Modi"
"If we have to improve our economy, give jobs to our youth and strengthen our villages then there is no other way apart from strengthening our agriculture: CM"
"The more our agriculture improves, the more our villages will improve: Shri Modi"
"The nation is falling behind in agriculture. If Khedut Putra, Sardar Patel had become the first Prime Minister, this would not be happening to our farmers. Somehow we took the wrong way: Shri Modi"
"Strides made by Gujarat in agriculture are historic: Shri Modi"
"We started Krishi Mahotsavs because we wanted farmers to innovate, to do new things, so that the farmer can harness his or her skill. We want to improve the quality of land so that production can rise: Shri Modi"
Shri Narendra Modi addressed farmers of South Gujarat at the Krishi Mahotsav in Bharuch (Bharuch district) on the morning of Saturday 18th May 2013. Shri Modi also visited the Krishi Melas and Pashu Arogya Melas during the programme. In his speech Shri Modi said that the need of the hour is to integrate technology in farming. He also added that the state Government is taking concrete steps to ensure that no farmer has to ever be under the burden of debt. The Chief Minister stressed on the importance on animal husbandry and shared that there are 122 animal diseases that have been completely eliminated from Gujarat. He further spoke that apart from the cataract and dental operations for animals that have been going on for many years, this time orthopedic treatment is being provided to the animals. He said that milk production in Gujarat has risen by over 65% and this is due to the efforts in animal husbandry. Shri Modi strongly urged the farmers to visit the agriculture fairs and the animal husbandry fairs and gain insightful knowledge from them.
The Chief Minister recalled that for years, we were told that India is a nation of farmers, that it lives in the villages and that it is an agricultural nation but over the years, this importance receded. He categorically stated, “If we have to improve our economy, give jobs to our youth and strengthen our villages then there is no other way apart from strengthening our agriculture. The more our agriculture improves, the more our villages will improve. “ He added, “Nation is falling behind in agriculture. If Khedut Putra, Sardar Patel had become the first Prime Minister, this would not be happening to our farmers. Somehow we took the wrong way.”
Shri Modi said that Gujarat and agriculture were never associated with each other. Gujarat was known as a drought prone state and not blessed with perennial rivers. “Earlier, Gujarat’s agriculture growth used to be half of that nation’s. If the nation’s agriculture grew at 3%, Gujarat would grow at 1.5%. But today this has changed. Our agriculture growth rate is 3-4 times that of the national average. This happened due to our farmers. I congratulate them!” Shri Modi declared. He described these strides in agriculture made by Gujarat as historic. The Chief Minister congratulated the lakh state Government employees who are going to the villages and meeting the farmers in this scorching heat.
Talking about the Krishi Mahotsav initiative, Shri Modi said, “We started Krishi Mahotsavs because we wanted farmers to innovate, to do new things, so that the farmer can harness his or her skill. We want to improve the quality of land so that production can rise. This is why we started this Yagna.” He shared that he was amazed to see the Krishi Melas and said they showcased what results would be possible if our farmers work hard.
In his speech he also talked at length about the Wadi Project for farmers of the tribal community. “Due to this project, our tribal farmers are growing cashew nuts! Former President Dr. Kalam spent a day with them to see the working of the project,” he avowed. He added that a budget of Rs. 4000 crore has been given to improve the water situation in tribal dominated areas. Shri Modi spoke on how the Government is encouraging women of coastal areas to embrace seaweed cultivation. Shri Modi told the farmers that the area of land is not going to increase but what can increase is productivity. He recalled that when he urged farmers of South Gujarat to embrace drip irrigation and sprinklers for sugarcane cultivation they did not take him very seriously but after they embraced drip irrigation and sprinklers, their production grew and water was conserved. He urged the farmers to grow more trees as well.
Shri Modi also came down heavily on anti-Gujarat elements. He stated, “Today some people are busy doing one thing- negate Gujarat, at any cost. Anything comes on Gujarat, negate it. I am sure there will be a day when an NGO will start an award that will honor that NGO that defames Gujarat in the ‘best’ manner.”
Earlier, Shri Modi honored progressive farmers. Several progressive farmers also welcomed the Chief Minister with their produce. Agriculture Minister Shri Babubhai Bokhiria was present on the occasion. Also present were Minister of State Shri Pradeepsinh Jadeja, Rajya Sabha MP Shri Bharatsinh Parmar, Lok Sabha MP Shri CR Patil, local MLAs and other dignitaries.
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.
