Modi launches three big projects in Gujarat
PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said his government is taking initiatives to strengthen the agriculture sector in the country so that farmers do not have to face any trouble.
His statement comes amid opposition to the new farm laws by farmers’ groups and political parties. Modi was speaking after inaugurating three projects in Gujarat- one each related to agriculture, healthcare, and tourism development- via video conference from New Delhi.
‘In order to double the farmers’ income and to reduce the production cost and their troubles, we will have to increase our efforts with the changing times,’ he said.
‘Whether granting freedom to farmers to sell their produce anywhere in the country or creating thousands of farmer producer organisations, whether completing stalled irrigation projects or improving crop insurance scheme or 100 per cent neem-coating of urea or soil health card...the aim is to strengthen the agriculture sector so that farmers do not have trouble in farming. Initiatives like these are being taken continuously for it,’ he said.
He launched the state government’s Kisan Suryoday Yojana (KSY) aimed at providing day-time electricity to the farmers in the state for irrigation and farming purposes.
The prime minister also inaugurated Paediatric Heart Hospital at the U N Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre in Ahmedabad, developed at a cost of $64 million by the state’s health and family welfare department.
Besides, he launched the recently-completed ropeway project on Mount Girnar, a major tourist and pilgrim site near Junagadh city in the state. The 2.3-km long ropeway is being touted as the longest temple ropeway in Asia.
Modi held the opposition responsible for the delay in completion of the Girnar ropeway project.
The project was proposed in 1983, and was delayed due to various reasons, most importantly due to the environmental concerns, before the UPA government granted it conditional approval in 2011.
‘Had they not created hurdles in the Girnar ropeway project, it would not have got stalled for so many years.
‘People and tourists should have got its benefit a long back,’ he said.
‘As a nation, we all should think of the loss caused to the people and the country when such projects (Girnar ropeway) of public importance are stalled for a long time,’ he said, adding that the new project will facilitate the pilgrims and tourists, and create job opportunities for the locals.