Mr. Modi, who was at Navsari to take part in the celebration of 53rd foundation day of Gujarat, inaugurated an agriculture fair held at the campus of Navsari Krishi University. The Chief Minister also inaugurated a mango festival here and addressed a seminar of progressive farmers of the state. He said the present revolutionary agricultural growth of state is the result of collective work of the farmers and the government.
Krishi Mahotsav has become instrumental in synergizing different aspects that are required for carrying out successful experiments in the field of agriculture, he said.
The present state government has made the farmers aware of the fact that they need water instead of electricity for successful farming. The farmers have put trust on the state government and adopted drip irrigation along with various water conversation efforts. A mere 12,000 hectare of area was covered under drip irrigation in past 40 years, while during the regime of a decade of the present government the state has covered 9 lakh hectare of land under drip irrigation, he added.
Gujarat has sawn the seed of agriculture revolution which will help the villages to prosper for centuries ahead. He also indicated forming Gujarat Agriculture Commission in this regard.
On the occasion, Agriculture Minister Babubhai Bokhiriya said that earlier the celebrations of 15 August, 26 January and 1st May were limited to Gandhinagar only but now every district are getting benefit of holding such celebrations due to the farsightedness of the Chief Minister.
Agriculture development becomes crucial when 65 to 70% people reside in rural areas. And so, he said, the state is endeavoring in the direction of scientific farming and encouraging farmers to get higher yield. A decade back there were around 4000 check-dams in the state, while 1.50 lakh check-dams have been built under the leadership of Mr. Modi, he added.
On the occasion Mr. Modi inaugurated an animal dispensary which has been set up at the cost of Rs. 250 lakh. He also inaugurated a hostel for the students of post graduation, which can accommodate around 100 students.
On the occasion, the innovative farmers held an exhibition showcasing agriculture experiments. Their achievements have been presented in this exhibition in 30 different divisions. There is also an exhibition of around 1000 samples of 100 different species of mangoes and flowers.
A painting of the CM, prepared on canvas by Mr. Hitendra Nayak, son of noted artist Mr. Jasubhai Nayak, in a ‘Bhumi Vandana’ programme held at Navsari Krishi University campus.
The Chief Minister also released five booklets containing information on vegetable crops, fisheries, health and nutritional food, agriculture schemes and assistance and horticulture.
District in-charge Minister and Revenue Minister Anandiben Patel, Forest and Environment Minister Ganpat Vasava, Minister of state for Water Supply Nanubhai Vanani, MPs C.R. Patil, Darshnaben Jardosh, Jayshriben, MLAs Mangubhai Patel, Piyush Desai, R.C. Patel, Chief Secretary Varesh Sinha, Secretary for Home S.K. Nanda, Secretary to Youth Services and Cultural Activity Department Bhagyesh Jha, District Collector Jayprakash Shivhare, Vice Chancellor of Krishiu University Dr. A.R. Pathak and farmers in large number were present on the occasion.
