“No farmer should be left out of the benefits of Krishi Mahotsav” “Gujarat farmers now get power connection fast, at cheaper rates” – Narendra Modi
Ahmedabad, Monday: Even as Gujarat Government combined the annual state-wide Krishi Mahotsav and Cattle Health Mela this year, Chief Minister Narendra Modi today said that no farmer in the state should be left out of the benefits of Krishi Mahotsav-2012.Talking with farmers at 225 taluka places in the state from Gandhinagar on the second day of Krish Mahotsav, he said that nearly one lakh government officials have spread out to the length and breadth of the state in this summer heat and dust to reach out to the farmers.
Mr. Modi said the twin objectives of the Mahotsav is to inform the farmers about the latest research in the laboratories as well as inspire them from the success stories of progressive farmers in different crops at different places. He thanked the progressive farmers for their co-operation. Even if the size of land holding is small, they can grow more crops on scientific basis, he said.
He said the annual cattle fairs have helped eradicate 110 diseases found in the livestock. A large number of cattle owners are poor. The milk production in the state has also increased by 66 per cent, which has given confidence to cattle owners.
Mr. Modi asked the farmers not to underestimate themselves. While farmers in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra are committing suicides, we are committed to solve the problems of our farmers.
He said the new power policy has helped the farmers get electricity connection faster and at cheaper rates. The power subsidy for farmers has increased from Rs,460-crore in 2000 to Rs.3,000-crore.
While the Congress governments used to charge 5 per cent electricity duty, the present government has completely abolished it. The government now bears extra burden of Rs.2,700-crore on coal, gas and other fuels but doesn’t disturb the farmers. This is despite the fact that the cost of generating electricity has increased from 87 paise to Rs.3.00 over this period. This fuelled the idea of generating solar power for agriculture. The government also replaces old motors with new ones. Soil heath cards have been issued to farmers to help them decide on the best for different soil conditions.
This year Chief Minister is scheduled to talk with farmers daily in the evening through videoconferencing during the Mahotsav.
