Quote"Krishi Mahotsav 2013 commences on a grand note!"
Quote"Shri Narendra Modi addresses farmers in Radhanpur, Patan District"
Quote"CM describes Krishi Mahotsavs as a Yagna of development, talks about the difference it brought to farmers’ lives"
Quote"Shri Modi stresses on embracing drip irrigation"
Quote"From 1960-2000, only 12,000 hectares of land were under drip irrigation whereas today over 9 lakh hectares of land are under drip irrigation: Shri Modi"
Quote"By embracing drip irrigation, the farmers have not only saved water but also saved the coming generations. By embracing drip irrigation, the farmers have not only sown seeds of their crop but also the seeds of Gujarat’s future: Shri Modi"
Quote"CM takes on anti-Gujarat elements who are opposing every initiative taken by the state Government, including Krishi Mahotsav"
Quote"By opposing things you will not gain, neither will your party gain and the question of Gujarat gaining does not arise: Shri Modi to anti-Gujarat elements"

On the morning of Tuesday 14th May 2013 Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the 9th Annual Krishi Mahotsav at Radhanpur in North Gujarat’s Patan district. In his speech, Shri Modi described the Krishi Mahotsav as a  Yagna of development and spoke at length about how the Krishi Mahotsavs have brought about a qualitative difference in the lives of farmers of Gujarat. The Chief Minister stressed on the need of drip irrigation and shared that from 1960-2000, only 12,000 hectares of land were under drip irrigation whereas today over 9 lakh hectares of land are under drip irrigation. He particularly congratulated the farmers of neighboring Banaskantha district for their strides in drip irrigation.

Shri Modi said, “By embracing drip irrigation, the farmers have not only saved water but also saved the coming generations. By embracing drip irrigation, the farmers have not only sown seeds of their crop but also the seeds of Gujarat’s future.” The Chief Minister urged the people of Patan to emulate the good work of their farmer colleagues of Banaskantha vis-à-vis drip irrigation and urged the women to be more proactive in this. Shri Modi also called for a competition on who embraces drip irrigation more effectively. He added, “Even if they burn Modi effigies but if they embrace drip irrigation, honor them. Drip irrigation is more important than Modi.” The Chief Minister opined that in a time when Maa Narmada blessing the region, we must save water so that the poor can gain from this. He further opined that drip irrigation saves water, labour and power and at the same time increases productivity.

Shri Modi called for greater usage of latest scientific techniques in agriculture and said that the Krishi Mahotsavs are a step in this direction. “Land will not increase but the number of people will. Solution to this is to maximize production in the land and this can be done through scientific methods. Krishi Mahotsav is a step in this direction,” he stated.

The Chief Minister stated that the Government has taken great steps in the field of animal husbandry as well. He shared that in the Pashu Arogya Melas, which commence, over 5000 animals will be operated on and for the first time, orthopedics for animals have been called. He also shared that the Government has integrated universities and agriculture scientists, who will leave their labs and go to the farmers. He urged the farmers to visit the exhibits and ask as many questions as possible to the authorities and scientists.

Talking about the difference made by initiatives such as Krishi Mahotsav, Shri Modi affirmed, “Earlier also you were involved in farming. There were officials, budgets, there was everything but did anything reach you? Did you even know where the officials were? No, it was very tough to even meet the officials. For 40 years, in this blistering hear no MLA, Minister or Chief Minister came to you. Instead, if you had a good mango season, half of it would be taken,” he said. In contrast, Shri Modi pointed, “Today if a farmer does well, the Government takes notice, officials come and understand how this happened. Progressive farmers are honored and they go to other farmers and guide them as well.” Shri Modi opined that Gujarat has also worked on skill development in the field of agriculture.

Speaking on the Krishi Mahotsavs, Shri Modi said that in this blistering heat, over a lakh Karmayogis of the State Government go to the villages and interact with the farmers and this is nothing but a Yagna. Yet, those who are mindlessly criticizing Gujarat day and night will continue to do so. He pointed that the craze to be on TV or in the news is such that the anti-Gujarat elements have invented new laboratories of abuses. Shri Modi also said that the people of Gujarat know such people very well and have answered them on many occasions through the ballot. He urged these elements to join the development journey of Gujarat and affirmed, “By opposing things you will not gain, neither will your party gain and the question of Gujarat gaining does not arise.”

A large number of farmers came to the occasion to hear Shri Modi despite the blistering heat.

Earlier, Ministers Shri Liladharbhai Vaghela and Shri Parbatbhai Patel spoke on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, MLA Shri Shankarbhai Chaudhary lauded Shri Narendra Modi for the work he has done for the people and said that if he were to start talking about the good work done by the Chief Minister, they would be sitting at the venue for ages.

Also present on the occasion were Cabinet Ministers Shri Babubhai Bokhiria, Shri Ramanlal Vora, Shri Nitinbhai Patel, Minister of State Shri Pradeepsinh Jadeja, Rajya Sabha MPs Shri Natuji Thakore & Shri Dilipbhai Pandya, Lok Sabha MP Smt. Jayshreeben Patel, former Ministers Shri Dilip Thakore, Shri Rabari and other leaders.

 

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The World This Week On India
February 25, 2025

This week, India reinforced its position as a formidable force on the world stage, making headway in artificial intelligence, energy security, space exploration, and defence. From shaping global AI ethics to securing strategic partnerships, every move reflects India's growing influence in global affairs.

And when it comes to diplomacy and negotiation, even world leaders acknowledge India's strength. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, known for his tough negotiating style, put it simply:

“[Narendra Modi] is a much tougher negotiator than me, and he is a much better negotiator than me. There’s not even a contest.”

With India actively shaping global conversations, let’s take a look at some of the biggest developments this week.

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AI for All: India and France Lead a Global Movement

The future of AI isn’t just about technology—it’s about ethics and inclusivity. India and France co-hosted the Summit for Action on AI in Paris, where 60 countries backed a declaration calling for AI that is "open," "inclusive," and "ethical." As artificial intelligence becomes a geopolitical battleground, India is endorsing a balanced approach—one that ensures technological progress without compromising human values.

A Nuclear Future: India and France Strengthen Energy Security

In a world increasingly focused on clean energy, India is stepping up its nuclear power game. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron affirmed their commitment to developing small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), a paradigm shift in the transition to a low-carbon economy. With energy security at the heart of India’s strategy, this collaboration is a step toward long-term sustainability.

Gaganyaan: India’s Space Dream Inches Closer

India’s ambitions to send astronauts into space took a major leap forward as the budget for the Gaganyaan mission was raised to $2.32 billion. This is more than just a scientific milestone—it’s about proving that India is ready to stand alongside the world’s leading space powers. A successful human spaceflight will set the stage for future interplanetary missions, pushing India's space program to new frontiers.

India’s Semiconductor Push: Lam Research Bets Big

The semiconductor industry is the backbone of modern technology, and India wants a bigger share of the pie. US chip toolmaker Lam Research announced a $1 billion investment in India, signalling confidence in the country’s potential to become a global chip manufacturing hub. As major companies seek alternatives to traditional semiconductor strongholds like Taiwan, India is positioning itself as a serious contender in the global supply chain.

Defence Partnerships: A New Era in US-India Military Ties

The US and India are expanding their defence cooperation, with discussions of a future F-35 fighter jet deal on the horizon. The latest agreements also include increased US military sales to India, strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations. Meanwhile, India is also deepening its energy cooperation with the US, securing new oil and gas import agreements that reinforce economic and security ties.

Energy Security: India Locks in LNG Supply from the UAE

With global energy markets facing volatility, India is taking steps to secure long-term energy stability. New multi-billion-dollar LNG agreements with ADNOC will provide India with a steady and reliable supply of natural gas, reducing its exposure to price fluctuations. As India moves toward a cleaner energy future, such partnerships are critical to maintaining energy security while keeping costs in check.

UAE Visa Waiver: A Boon for Indian Travelers

For Indians residing in Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, visiting the UAE just became a lot simpler. A new visa waiver, effective February 13, will save Dh750 per person and eliminate lengthy approval processes. This move makes travel to the UAE more accessible and strengthens business and cultural ties between the two countries.

A Gift of Friendship: Trump’s Gesture to Modi

During his visit to India, Donald Trump presented Prime Minister Modi with a personalized book chronicling their long-standing friendship. Beyond the usual diplomatic formalities, this exchange reflects the personal bonds that sometimes shape international relations as much as policies do.

Memory League Champion: India’s New Star of Mental Speed

India is making its mark in unexpected ways, too. Vishvaa Rajakumar, a 20-year-old Indian college student, stunned the world by memorizing 80 random numbers in just 13.5 seconds, winning the Memory League World Championship. His incredible feat underscores India’s growing reputation for mental agility and cognitive

excellence on the global stage.

India isn’t just participating in global affairs—it’s shaping them. Whether it’s setting ethical AI standards, securing energy independence, leading in space exploration, or expanding defence partnerships, the country is making bold, strategic moves that solidify its role as a global leader.

As the world takes note of India’s rise, one thing is clear: this journey is just getting started.