Mera Saansad
Search Search
Bengali language

PM kickstarts 50th Anniversary Celebrations of ICRISAT and inaugurates two research facilities

Published By : Admin | February 5, 2022 | 14:17 IST
“Your research and technology have helped making agriculture easy and sustainable”
“Pro planet people movement is not limited to just words, but is also reflected in the actions of the Government of India”
“India’s focus is on the fusion of ‘back to basic’ and ‘march to future’ to protect its farmers from climate challenge”
“India’s efforts are increasing relentlessly for empowering farmers through digital technology”
“During the Amrit Kaal, India is focussing on inclusive growth along with higher agriculture growth”
“We wish to create an alert and potent market force out of small farmers by organizing them into thousands of FPOs”
“We are focusing on food security as well as nutrition security. With this vision we have developed many bio-fortified varieties in the last 7 years”

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visited the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) campus in Patancheru, Hyderabad and kickstarted the 50th Anniversary celebrations of ICRISAT. The Prime Minister also inaugurated ICRISAT’s Climate Change Research Facility on Plant Protection and ICRISAT’s Rapid Generation Advancement Facility. These two facilities are dedicated to the smallholder farmers of Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Prime Minister also unveiled a specially designed logo of ICRISAT and launched a commemorative stamp issued on the occasion. Governor Telangana Smt Tamilisai Soundararajan, Union Ministers Shri Narendra Singh Tomar and Shri G. Kishan Reddy were among those present on the occasion.

The Prime Minister noted the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami and congratulated ICRISAT for 50 years. Underlining the importance of next 25 years for both the country and also for ICRISAT, the Prime Minister stressed the need for new goals and working for them. The Prime Minister lauded ICRISAT for their contribution in helping agriculture in large part of the world including India. He appreciated their contribution in water and soil management, improvement in crop variety, on-farm diversity and livestock integration. He also praised their holistic approach in integrating farmers with their markets and promoting pulses and chick pea production in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. “Your research and technology have helped making agriculture easy and sustainable”, Shri Modi said.

The Prime Minister said that the worst affected by climate change are the people on the last rung of development with little resources. That is why, the Prime Minister reiterated India’s request to the world to pay special attention to the climate changes. He talked of LIFE- Lifestyle for Environment; P3 - Pro planet people movements and India’s net zero target by 2070. “Pro planet people is a movement that connects every community, every individual with climate responsibility to tackle the climate challenge. This is not limited to just words, but is also reflected in the actions of the Government of India”, he added.

Referring to 15 Agro-Climatic Zones and 6 seasons of the country, the Prime Minister highlighted the depth of ancient experience of Indian agriculture. He pointed out that India’s focus is on the fusion of ‘back to basic’ and ‘march to future’ to protect its farmers from climate challenge. “Our focus is on our more than 80 per cent farmers who are small and needs us the most”, the Prime Minister said.

He mentioned another dimension of changing India i.e. digital agriculture which he termed as India’s future and stressed that talented Indian youth can contribute a great deal in this. He listed areas like crop assessment, land records digitization, spraying insecticides and nutrients by drones which are witnessing increased use of technology and artificial intelligence. “India’s efforts are increasing relentlessly for empowering farmers through digital technology”, he said.

The Prime Minister emphasized that in the Amrit Kaal, India is focussing on inclusive growth along with higher agriculture growth. Women in agri-sector, are being supported through self-help groups. “Agriculture has the potential to take a large chunk of population out of poverty and take them towards better life-style. This Amrit Kaal will also provide new means to the farmers of geographically difficult areas”, he said.

The Prime Minister said that India is working on a dual strategy. On the one hand, a large part of the land is being brought under irrigation through water conservation and connecting of rivers. Water use efficiency through micro irrigation is being encouraged in areas with limited irrigation, on the other.

The Prime Minister said that National Mission for self-reliance in edible oils indicates India’s new approach. The Mission aims to increase palm oil area by 6 lakh hectare. “This will help Indian farmers at every level and will prove very beneficial for the famers of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana”, the Prime Minister pointed out. He also dwelled on the steps taken to strengthen post-harvest infrastructure like creating cold chain storage capacity of 35 million tonnes and creation of 1 lakh crore rupees Agriculture Infrastructure Fund.

India is also focusing on establishing FPOs and Agriculture value chain. “We wish to create an alert and potent market force out of small farmer by organizing them into thousands of FPOs”, he said.

The Prime Minister said that India’s goal is not just increasing food grain production. India has enough surplus food grain to run one of the world’s big food security programme. “We are focusing on food security as well as nutrition security. With this vision, we have developed many bio-fortified varieties in the last 7 years”.

ICRISAT is an international organisation that conducts agricultural research for development in Asia & sub-Saharan Africa. It helps farmers by providing improved crop varieties and hybrids and also helps smallholder farmers in the drylands fight climate change.

Click here to read full text speech

Login or Register to add your comment
Explore More
শ্রী রাম জন্মভূমি মন্দিরের ধ্বজারোহণ উৎসবে প্রধানমন্ত্রীর বক্তব্যের বাংলা অনুবাদ

জনপ্রিয় ভাষণ

শ্রী রাম জন্মভূমি মন্দিরের ধ্বজারোহণ উৎসবে প্রধানমন্ত্রীর বক্তব্যের বাংলা অনুবাদ
View All
India stands tall in shaky world economy as Fitch lifts FY26 growth view to 7.5%

Media Coverage

India stands tall in shaky world economy as Fitch lifts FY26 growth view to 7.5%
View All
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
Download App
...
Today’s projects will further strengthen the logistics system of Eastern India: PM Modi in Kolkata, West Bengal
March 14, 2026
These initiatives will boost connectivity and improve the quality of life for people: PM
Today, a vigorous nationwide campaign to modernise railways is underway, and we are determined that West Bengal should not be left behind in this effort: PM
The central government is rapidly expanding the railway infrastructure in West Bengal: PM
Ports like Kolkata and Haldia have long been major centers of trade in Eastern India: PM
Mechanisation at the Haldia Dock Complex will speed up cargo operations, enhance port capacity and strengthen trade facilities: PM

Governor Shri R. N. Ravi ji, my colleagues in the Union Cabinet Shantanu Thakur ji, Sukanta Majumdar ji, Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Shubhendu Adhikari ji, my fellow parliamentarian Shamik Bhattacharya ji, other public representatives, ladies and gentlemen,

Today, from the soil of Kolkata, a new chapter of development for West Bengal and Eastern India is being written. Road, railway, and port infrastructure projects worth more than 18 thousand crore rupees have been inaugurated and foundation stones laid. These projects will give new momentum to West Bengal and Eastern India, promote trade and industry, make the lives of millions easier, and provide them with new opportunities. With the completion of the Kharagpur–Moregram Expressway, economic activities will accelerate in many parts of West Bengal. The Dubrajpur bypass, and the large bridges being built over the Kangshabati and Shilabati rivers, will further improve connectivity. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of West Bengal and Eastern India for these projects.

Friends,

Today, a rapid campaign is underway to modernize the railways in the country. Our resolve is that West Bengal should not lag behind in this campaign! Therefore, the central government is making strong efforts to expand West Bengal’s railway infrastructure. Today, the automatic block signaling system in the Kalaikunda and Kanimahuli sections has been dedicated to the nation. This will increase the capacity of busy rail routes, make travel safer, and enhance speed and convenience for passengers.

Friends,

Today, six stations-Kamakhya Gudi, Anara, Tamluk, Haldia, Barabhum, and Siuri-have been inaugurated as Amrit Stations. The great culture of Bengal is now shining even more brightly at these stations. Many more stations are also being redeveloped here. A new express train service between Purulia and Anand Vihar Terminal has also been flagged off. This train service will benefit not only the people of West Bengal but also those in Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

Friends,

Just as road and rail connectivity are important, ports and water transport also play a crucial role. For decades, the potential of Eastern India in this regard was neglected. But today, waterways are opening new paths for trade and industrial progress. In this direction, important port infrastructure projects have been inaugurated and foundation stones laid today. Ports like Kolkata and Haldia have long been major centers of trade in Eastern India. The Haldia Dock Complex is being mechanized. This will speed up cargo operations, increase port capacity, and create new facilities for trade. Renovation of the bascule bridge in the Kolkata Dock System is also underway. We are also focusing on increasing cargo handling capacity at Khidderpore Dock. All these projects will strengthen the logistics system of Eastern India.

Friends,

These new projects related to roads, railways, and ports are opening new pathways for the modern future of West Bengal. Farmers, traders, entrepreneurs, students-everyone will benefit. New opportunities will also arise in sectors like tourism. Local industries and services will gain momentum. Our resolve is that Bengal, which has always guided India, should once again achieve that glory by becoming a ‘Developed Bengal.’ I am fully confident that strong connectivity and modern infrastructure will form the foundation of a developed Bengal. With this wish, I once again extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you for these development projects. Now, as soon as this official program concludes, I will go to the open grounds where the entire Bengal has gathered. I will have the privilege of meeting the people of Bengal and discussing very important issues among them. For this program, this much is enough.

Thank you very much!

Best wishes to all!