Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi bats for diversification, modernisation of farming

Ravi S Singh
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, March 28

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday pitched for modernisation in the country’s agriculture sector and cited the deepening trend of bee farming in this context.

He stressed keeping up the caution against the Covid-19 pandemic and paid tributes to health workers and other Corona warriors for their contributions to the country’s push back against the pandemic.

In his 75th edition of “Mann Ki Baat” monthly radio programme, Modi said modernisation and innovation in farming is the need of the present times to boost farmers’ income and make the vocation prosperous.

He noted that the modernisation of agriculture is imperative to increase farmers’ income, expand the agriculture sector, and increase the avenues of employment.

“Modernisation and innovation are important in all dimension of life,” Modi said, and added expansion of bee farming has led to growth in production of honey and its export, calling it a “Sweet Revolution”.

The quantum production of honey has contributed to “Aatm Nirbhar Bharat”(self-reliance), too, he said.

Modi said by adding bee farming to their inventories, the farmers have started earning handsomely due to income generated from bee-wax too.

With the increasing trend of herbal and natural products, bee-wax is in demand in the pharma, cosmetic and industrial sector in a big way.

He referred to farmers of Yamunanagar district in Haryana, among others, of taking to bee farming.

Referring to turbulence caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, he said it all started in March, last year. The “Janata Curfew”, which was a novelty, demonstrated to the world the level of self-discipline by Indians.

“The clanging of Thaalis and lighting up of diyas gave imponderable moral strength and inspiration to Corona warriors to keep up the fight against the pandemic for one year,” Modi said.

“Dawaai bhi, Kadai bhi” ( Medicine also, self-regulated regimentation of protocols, too), Modi said while invoking the self-discipline theme against Corona in his peroration.

Concerning culture, he said there should be modernisation in it while keeping intact the quintessence of its tradition. It should be passed over to the new generation.

In this context he noted the work done by an individual in Assam who collated and compiled the scattered works in the local Karbi dialect, leading to the language’s revival.

He stressed keeping alive local cultures that form the rich tapestry and mosaic of India’s diversified social picture.

He dwelt on the importance of the “waste to wealth” campaign, and on saving Sparrow-a bird species- which is becoming extinct.

He lauded women for making their mark on various aspects of the country’s life and hailed national cricketer Mithali Raj on her achieving the milestone of 10,000 runs. Also, he complimented badminton player PV Sindhu.

He felicitated adherents of Christianity across the world on the coming Easter festival which he said was a symbol of the resurrection of hope. He also wished people concerning the forthcoming Holi, and other festivals.

He said India will celebrate the birth anniversary of Dalit icon Dr BR Ambedkar on April 14 in a memorable way.