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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.

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The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi lays foundation stone for various development works in Kokrajhar, Assam via Video Conferencing. The Prime Minister stated that due to inclement weather, he was unable to visit Kokrajhar in person and expressed his sincere apologies to the gathered citizens. PM Modi remarked that he was communicating from Guwahati. Shri Modi noted that he bows to the great personalities of the land like Bodofa Upendranath Brahma and Roopnath Brahma. The Prime Minister observed that the massive turnout of people is a debt upon him which he intends to repay through dedicated service and regional development. PM Modi affirmed that "it has always been my endeavor to repay this debt by serving you and developing this region."

The Prime Minister remarked that during his earlier visit to Guwahati, he had the privilege of experiencing the vibrant Bodo culture at the Bagurumba Dahou festival. PM Modi noted that the Bodo community deserves immense credit for meticulously preserving their language, heritage, and traditions. Shri Modi observed that spiritual practices like Bathou and festivals like Baisagu significantly enhance India’s overall cultural strength. The Prime Minister stated that "these traditions strengthen the cultural might of India".

The Prime Minister stated that the double-engine government remains committed to both preserving Assam's heritage and ensuring its rapid progress. PM Modi remarked that development projects exceeding 4,500 crore rupees were inaugurated and initiated during the current program. Shri Modi noted that over 1,100 crore rupees are specifically earmarked for enhancing the road network in Bodoland. The Prime Minister observed that the third phase of the Asom Mala campaign will revolutionize connectivity across the state. "Assam's road connectivity will become even more empowered through these initiatives," affirmed Shri Modi.

The Prime Minister stated that he recently flagged off the Kamakhya-Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express and the Guwahati-New Jalpaiguri Express to boost regional mobility. PM Modi remarked that these transport projects would provide essential facilities to the public while simultaneously stimulating trade and tourism. Shri Modi noted that improved logistics will empower farmers by providing easier access to larger markets. The Prime Minister congratulated the citizens on the launch of these transformative developmental works. "These projects will ensure farmers' produce reaches major markets with ease," stated Shri Modi.

The Prime Minister stated that Kokrajhar and the surrounding regions had endured immense suffering and loss over the past several decades. PM Modi remarked that there was a time when the hills only echoed with the sounds of violence and weaponry. Shri Modi noted that the environment has now shifted toward harmony, with the sounds of traditional instruments like the ‘Kham’ and ‘Sifung’ filling the air. The Prime Minister observed that Bodoland and Assam are currently scripting a fresh chapter of peace and prosperity. "Today Bodoland has started walking on the path of peace and development," affirmed Shri Modi.

The Prime Minister stated that the foundation stones for six vital road projects in the B.T.R. region have been laid today to enhance local infrastructure. PM Modi remarked that significant strides are being taken to bolster rail connectivity, including the establishment of a railway workshop. Shri Modi noted that the upcoming rail link to Bhutan and the modernization of various stations will turn the area into a logistics hub. The Prime Minister observed that the stopovers of Vande Bharat and Rajdhani Express in Kokrajhar symbolize the region's rising status. "Kokrajhar is set to become a major center of trade through these projects," asserted Shri Modi.

The Prime Minister stated that he extends his heartfelt congratulations to the teams led by Hagrama Mohilary and Hemanta Biswa Sarma for their dedication to development. The Prime Minister stated that the current government prioritized permanent stability. Shri Modi noted that the Bodo Peace Accord was a landmark achievement that united all major organizations on a single platform. The Prime Minister observed that this inclusive approach was a departure from the politics of the past. "We made honest efforts for permanent peace by bringing everyone together," affirmed Shri Modi.

Shri Modi noted that the present government, has a proven track record of delivering on its words, citing the 2003 formation of the BTC under Sixth Schedule . The Prime Minister observed that institutions like Bodoland University and the Central Institute of Technology stand as evidence of this commitment. "Our double-engine government has honestly tried to fulfill every promise made," asserted Shri Modi.

The Prime Minister stated that all commitments made under the 2020 Bodo agreement are being systematically fulfilled by the government. PM Modi remarked that the Bodo language has been elevated to the status of an Associate Official Language as promised. Shri Modi noted that a special development package of 1,500 crore rupees has been deployed, alongside the establishment of new medical colleges. The Prime Minister observed that the integration of 10,000 former insurgents into the mainstream is a major victory for the region. "We are fulfilling every promise to bring the youth into the mainstream," remarked Shri Modi.

The Prime Minister stated that his government has ensured national recognition for the faith and traditions of the Bodo community. PM Modi remarked that the traditional faith, Bathou has been accorded high respect and a distinct census code. Shri Modi noted that financial assistance is being provided to develop and preserve various sites of spiritual significance. The Prime Minister observed that such steps are vital for the cultural identity of the tribal population. "The traditions of the Bodo society are now receiving respect at the national level," asserted Shri Modi.

The Prime Minister stated that he is satisfied with the massive campaign led by CM Himanta Biswa Sarma to reclaim land from illegal occupants. PM Modi remarked that the current government has successfully provided legal land titles to the original inhabitants of Assam. Shri Modi noted his appreciation for the tribal community’s active support in this vital mission.

The Prime Minister stated that the momentum of development in Assam must be accelerated to achieve the vision of a self-reliant state. PM Modi remarked that with the continued blessings of the people, the resolve for a 'Viksit Assam' will certainly be realized. Shri Modi noted his best wishes for the success of all the newly launched projects. “The resolve for a developed Assam will surely be fulfilled with the blessings of the people,” emphasized Shri Modi.