On the morning of 21st January, 2014, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Khodaldham Agri Vision India 2014 at Kagwad in Rajkot, Gujarat.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Modi emphasized on the significance of agriculture for our economy, and underscored the need to embrace science and technology and make farming modern. Shri Modi also stated the Gujarat government’s efforts at ensuring regular water supply to the farmers. He spoke about the adoption of micro irrigation and drip irrigation methods by the farmers of Banaskantha, and the revolutionary change this had brought in the overall quality of the produce and the productivity, whilst ensuring saving of water and electricity.
Stressing on the aspect of value addition for agriculture, Shri Modi said, “Land is not going to increase. It is about increasing productivity, getting more from the land. Value addition will always help and the farmer will gain more.”
Shri Modi stated the need for farmers to understand the importance of micro irrigation and urged them to focus on water conservation. He spoke about the rising preference in the State for Green houses and cited the government’s support extended to ensure the same.
Shri Modi stated that Sardar Patel was a great Indian, who served India, and it was the duty of every citizen to honour and appreciate the leader’s contribution. Speaking about the revolutionary contribution made by Sardar Patel in the nation’s freedom struggle, Shri Modi said that it was not restricted to any particular political party. He went on to add, “If Sardar Patel was not there, then we would have to take a visa to go to Junagadh, while Gir lions would be in Pakistan.” He spoke of how Sardar Patel had integrated farmers in the freedom struggle.
Shri Modi also spoke of Sardar Patel’s relentless work for unity, and stressed that the recently conducted ‘Run for Unity’, which witnessed participation from lakhs of people across India, was amongst the many initiatives undertaken to ensure national unity.
Shri Narendra Modi requested the leaders of Congress to leave politics aside and allow work to happen on the Sardar Sarovar dam project. He said that he did not wish to receive credit for the project, and duly accredited every government for having worked towards realizing the project.
Addressing the Krushi Mela, Shri Modi spoke highly of religious institutions and underscored the wonderful work done by them in times of any calamity. Applauding Saurashtra for having excelled in generosity and philanthropy, Shri Modi said that it is this attitude and aptitude that will take the Nation forward.
