NEW DELHI/ AMN /
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that transformation in India will come only if country’s farmers are empowered and rural area is developed. Speaking after inaugurating a three-day Krishi Unnati Mela in New Delhi, Mr Modi said, it is important to modernise agriculture practices and make use of technology extensively. Mr Modi said, the Mela is an attempt in that direction.
Calling for increasing the purchasing power in rural areas, Mr Modi said this will happen when rural economy is strengthened and his government is working to enhance it. Making a pitch for ushering in a second green revolution from the eastern parts of India, he said it has to be powered by technology and modernisation. Mr Modi said first green revolution was centred around the western and northern parts and the second green revolution has to come from the east.
Urging people to save water this summer, Mr Modi said, there is a need to adopt proper methods for irrigation. Saying that the time has come to give impetus to value addition, he said, food processing would increase income of farmers.
Lauding the General Budget 2016-17, Mr Modi said agriculture sector has been given adequate importance in it. He said the budget was pro-poor and pro-farmers. Prime Minister also talked about Soil Health Card initiative and its benefit to the farmers.
The Krishi Unnati Mela will provide information on new farm schemes and technologies that will help farmers double their incomes within the next few years. The fair is having separate workshops on key schemes like Pradhan Mantri Fasal Beema Yojana, e-agriculture marketing, integrated farming system, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sichai Yojana, soil health and livestock issues. There will be live demonstration of agriculture and horticultural crops, animal husbandry, innovative technologies.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi gave away Krishi Karman Awards to eight states and progressive farmers who have made outstanding contribution in the field of agriculture.
