Says scheme has become social security for small farmers
“MSP, crop insurance, affordable loans the key farm support
Major investments announced in energy, rail electrification & infra in Assam
Cruise terminals at Nimati and Bishwanath Ghats to boost tourism, jobs
New Delhi,Guwahati: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth around ₹19,4800 crore in Guwahati, while also releasing over ₹18,000 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi to crores of farmers across the country.
Addressing a large gathering, Modi said the welfare and infrastructure initiatives launched from Guwahati would accelerate growth in Assam and benefit people across the state. The Prime Minister also greeted farmers connected virtually from across the country and workers of Assam’s tea gardens.
Highlighting the farmer welfare initiative, Modi said the PM-KISAN scheme had become a form of social security for small farmers. He said more than ₹4.25 lakh crore had so far been transferred directly into the bank accounts of farmers under the scheme since its launch.
The Prime Minister said nearly 19 lakh farmers in Assam had received close to ₹8,000 crore under the programme. He added that the government had strengthened support systems for farmers through measures such as minimum support price (MSP), affordable loans, crop insurance and direct income support.
Modi said the government had taken steps to shield farmers from rising global fertilizer prices by providing subsidised fertilizers. He noted that while a bag of urea costs about ₹3,000 in the international market, it is being supplied to Indian farmers at around ₹300 with government support.
The Prime Minister also highlighted initiatives to modernise agriculture through technology and improved irrigation systems. Referring to the ‘Per Drop More Crop’ policy, he said micro-irrigation techniques such as drip and sprinkler systems were being promoted to reduce water use and costs.
Modi further said the government was encouraging the use of solar pumps through the Pradhan Mantri KUSUM Scheme, enabling farmers to generate electricity and earn additional income.
On infrastructure and energy development, the Prime Minister said Assam had seen major investments in refineries, gas pipeline networks and renewable energy projects. He also referred to the upgradation of the Numaligarh-Siliguri pipeline and the establishment of a second-generation bio-ethanol plant in Golaghat.
The Prime Minister said railway electrification across the country had reduced dependence on imported oil and helped save nearly 1.75 billion litres of diesel annually, adding that the rail network in Assam was also being rapidly electrified.
Modi also announced the construction of modern cruise terminals at Nimati Ghat and Bishwanath Ghat on the Brahmaputra River, aimed at boosting tourism and creating employment opportunities in the region.
He said tourism in Assam was emerging as a major driver of local development and prosperity, adding that the state was playing an important role in advancing the growth of the entire North-East region.
Calling for collective efforts to build a developed Assam, the Prime Minister said the state’s progress would provide fresh momentum to the development of the North-East and the country as a whole. PIB
