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Our Correspondent

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today urged people to conserve and save water especially rain water and asked people to do Yoga and physical exercise to fight diseases.

In his 18th edition of monthly Mann Ki Baat programme on All India Radio, he said conserving water from various sources will help the farmers to irrigate their land in view of deficit monsoon.

Asking people to find news ways to conserve water, the Prime minister said, ponds should be kept clean so that more and more water can be conserved. He said that the government is planning to make five lakh new ponds and through MGNREGA assets will be created to conserve water. Mr Modi called upon people to make water conservation a movement.

During his half an hour address, the Prime minister requested farmers to download and use Kisan Suvidha App, which will provide all information regarding agriculture and new technologies to improve the farm productivity.

Terming the App a part of Digital India, Mr Modi said that it is a myth that such a facility can only be used by urban people and youth. He asked farmers to send complaint to him if the App lacks any information for them. He urged farmers to use less fertiliser in farming.

Referring to World Health Day which will take place on 7th of next month , Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for eradicating Diabetes from the country. He asked people to do Yoga and physical exercise to fight Diabetes.

Mentioning about government’s step to deal with rising cases of Tuberculosis, he said, people should not delay in going for checks up if they find out any symptom of the disease. He said there are more than 13 thousand Microscopy centres and four lakh DOTS provider available in the country free of cost. He called to make country free from Diabetes and Tuberculosis.

Admitting that India is lagging behind in tourism sector compared to the world, Mr Modi asked countryman to give thrust to tourism . He said there is a need to attract more tourists to India by making country’s tourists destinations more attractive.

Prime minister said tourism has great potential for generating employment for millions of the youth of the country. Calling for collective efforts in this direction, Mr Modi said governments, NGOs and society can play a pivotal role to further develop tourism sector. He said travel teaches us a lot.

He lauded the effort of Western Coalfields Limited Nagpur for developing eco friendly mine tourism circuit. Mr Modi expressed happiness for awareness for cleanliness.

Expressing his disappointment over India’s performance in the game of football, Prime Minister said it is disheartening to note that India has constantly slipped in its FIFA ranking.

Speaking about India hosting FIFA Under-17 world cup next year, Mr Modi said it is an opportunity for the country to create infrastructure and build enthusiasm among youth for the sport.

He said there is renewed interest among youth for football in the country and all must endeavour to take football to every nook and corner of the country. Seeking suggestions from public on Narendra Modi App, he said, views can help in designing better logo, preparing slogans and branding India at world fora.

Prime Minister also extended Easter greetings to all and best wishes to India and Australia team for their T-20 clash in the evening.