PM lists agri schemes, says working on improving lives of small farmers

New Delhi, February 22

Continuing the government’s outreach amid an ongoing farmer agitation, PM Narendra Modi on Thursday said his dispensation was focused on transforming farmers into energy producers and fertiliser suppliers.

“The government is significantly expanding the scope of cooperation in the rural economy. Cooperative movement is gaining momentum with the establishment of over 2 lakh cooperative societies in more than 2 lakh villages across the country. The government stands with farmers in every way, and this is Modi’s guarantee,” the PM said.

PM modi inspects key road in Varanasi

• After Gujarat visit, PM Modi landed in Varanasi and went to inspect the Shivpur-Phulwaria-Lahartara road around 11 pm
• The road, opened recently, meant to ease travel of five lakh people living around southern part, including BHU and those who want to go towards Lucknow, Azamgarh and Ghazipur

He was addressing the Golden Jubilee celebration event of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation, which owns the popular brand Amul, at Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera, Ahmedabad.

Describing Amul as an inspiration for Atma Nirbhar India mission, the PM said the government was focused on making the lives of small farmers easier, expanding the scope of animal husbandry, creating a healthy life for the livestock and promoting fisheries and honey-bee keeping in the villages.

The Prime Minister listed many schemes meant for farmers and village-dwellers. “We are giving priority to each and every aspect of villages and our focus is on improving the lives of small farmers, on improving the health of livestock and how farmers get more income through allied activities such as fishing and beekeeping. That is why we have decided to give kisan credit cards to fishermen and cattle-rearers too,” he said.

To protect livestock from foot-and-mouth disease, his government has launched a free vaccination drive for Rs 15,000 crore and nearly 60 crore jabs were already given, he said. “We have also set up Kisan Samridhi Kendras across the country so that farmers get scientific solutions to their problems near their villages. We are also making arrangements to help farmers in making organic fertilisers,” Modi said.