New Delhi, Jan 2 (FN Agency) Asserting that Corona cannot dampen the growth of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday transferred Rs 20,000 crores to more than 10 crore farmer families under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. Modi also released via video conferencing an equity grant of more than Rs 14 crore to 351 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) to benefit 1.24 lakh farmers. He also interacted with representatives from different FPOs and stressed on natural farming. The Prime Minister said that PM Kisan Samman Nidhi is a big support for India’s farmers.
“If we include today’s transfer, more than 1.80 lakh crore rupees have been transferred directly to the accounts of the farmers,” the PM said. “In the last seven years, our endeavour has been to encourage natural farming,” he said, adding, “It is high time to engage in chemical free farming.” As he wished people a new year, the PM recalled the nation’s effort in fighting the pandemic, vaccination and making arrangements for the vulnerable sections during the difficult period, adding that India will embark upon a new journey taking inspiration from the achievements of the past years. “Covid-19 cannot hamper the growth of India, he said. “We are taking precautionary measures to fight it.” “Today the growth rate of our economy is more than 8 per cent. Record foreign investment has come to India. Our forex reserves have reached record levels. Old records have also been surpassed in GST collection. We have also set new records in the matter of exports, especially in agriculture.” He said in 2021, a transaction of more than 70 lakh crore rupees was done on UPI. More than 50 thousand start-ups are working in India out of these 10 thousand came up during the last six months, he said.
Recalling the last year, the PM said it was a landmark year for India’s cultural heritage, and mentioned development of Kashi Vishwanath Dham and Kedarnath Dham, Renovation of Samadhi of Aadi Shankaracharya, restoration of stolen idol of goddess Annapoorna, construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. He also said it was “a year of optimism for the Matra-Shakti”, and mentioned Sainik Schools being opened for girls along with the doors of National Defence academy and referred to attempts being initiated for raising marriage age for girls to 21. PM Modi said that India achieved a milestone in agriculture last year despite the pandemic. “Food grain production touched 300 million tonnes, similarly Horticulture and floriculture production reached 330 million tonnes. Milk production also increased almost 45 per cent in last 6-7 years. About 60 lakh hectare land was brought under micro irrigation; more than 1 lakh crore were given in compensation under Prime Minister Fasal Bima Yojna, whereas the premium received was just 21 thousand crores,” he said. Modi also used the occasion to express his condolences over the death of 12 pilgrims at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir. “My deepest condolences to those who lost their lives.
The Centre is in constant touch with the Jammu and Kashmir administration.” Informing about the ‘Gobardhan’ scheme to promote bio-gas, Modi said, “If there will be value in cow dung, then non milching animals will not be a burden on farmers.” The government has established the Kaamdhenu Commission and is strengthening the dairy sector infrastructure.” Stating that the country is moving with the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Prayas’, the PM said many people are spending their lives for the country, and they are building the country. “This year we will complete 75 years of our independence. This is the time to start a new vibrant journey of the country’s resolve, to move forward with renewed vigour”, he said. Elaborating on the power of collective effort, the PM said, “When 130 crore Indians take one step, it is not merely one step but it amounts to 130 crore steps.” The PM also highlighted achievements made in various sectors, including Defence, Health and Finance. Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and Chief Ministers of various states and other dignitaries attended the programme.