PM Modi Launches Gujarat Development Projects Worth ₹14,000 Crore

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched development projects worth more than ₹14,000 crore in Banaskantha, Gujarat. He laid foundation stones, inaugurated projects, and dedicated several initiatives to the nation. These projects focus on farmers, women, children, livestock owners, and rural communities.

The PM also released a fresh installment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN). The government transferred more than ₹18,000 crore to around 10 crore farmers across India. In Gujarat, over ₹1,000 crore reached the accounts of more than 50 lakh farmers. Farmers in Banaskantha received nearly ₹50 crore.

The announcements highlight the government's focus on agriculture, rural development, transport, and social welfare.

PM-KISAN Supports Small Farmers

The PM described farmers as key partners in building a developed India. He stated that the government had increased the national agriculture budget more than five times compared with 2013–14.

The government has transferred nearly ₹4.5 lakh crore directly to small farmers through PM-KISAN. Small farmers account for more than 85% of India's farming community.

The Prime Minister also highlighted five major areas of government support:

• PM-KISAN: The scheme provides direct financial assistance to eligible farmers.
• Fertiliser subsidy: The government spent around ₹16 lakh crore to protect farmers from rising global fertiliser prices.
• Minimum Support Price (MSP): Wheat and paddy farmers received more than ₹24 lakh crore through MSP over the past 12 years.
• PM Fasal Bima Yojana: Farmers received over ₹2 lakh crore in crop insurance compensation.
• PM-KUSUM: The scheme supported the distribution of nearly 12 lakh solar pumps. These pumps helped farmers save the cost of more than 80 crore litres of diesel.

According to the Prime Minister, these five major measures delivered or saved more than ₹50 lakh crore for farmers.

Technology Strengthens Agriculture and Animal Husbandry

The government has promoted science and technology in agriculture and livestock management. More than 26 crore Soil Health Cards now help farmers understand the nutrient needs of their fields.

The government has also introduced around 3,000 new seed varieties in recent years. These varieties aim to help farmers deal with changing weather conditions.

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of better livestock breeds, vaccination, and timely medical treatment. These measures can improve milk production and increase the income of rural families.

Banaskantha Gets a Livestock Research Centre

The newly built research centre in Banaskantha will support the Rashtriya Gokul Mission. It will help conserve and improve indigenous cattle and buffalo breeds.

The centre will focus on cattle breeds such as Gir, Sahiwal, and Kankrej. It will also support buffalo breeds such as Mehsana, Murrah, and Jaffarabadi. The facility marks the country's first research centre dedicated to the Kankrej breed.

Modern technologies such as In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) can help farmers preserve desirable qualities in high-yielding animals.

The government has also expanded free vaccination for livestock. It has administered around 150 crore vaccine doses so far. This programme has covered the livestock of more than 8 crore farmers.

India has also improved milk productivity. Average daily milk yield per cow or buffalo has increased from less than five litres in 2013–14 to nearly eight litres.

Bio-CNG Plants and Rural Income

The government wants livestock owners to earn from cow dung as well as milk. It has laid the foundation stones for two bio-CNG plants in Gujarat.

These plants will help convert cow dung and agricultural waste into biogas, bio-CNG, and organic fertiliser. The initiative can reduce waste and create additional income opportunities for rural families.

The Prime Minister also highlighted growth in fisheries and beekeeping. India's seafood exports have more than doubled. Honey production has also doubled over the past 12 years. India has become the world's second-largest exporter of natural honey.

Women's Self-Help Groups have played an important role in expanding honey production.

Banaskantha Farmers Benefit from Horticulture Projects

The Prime Minister highlighted the role of irrigation and modern technology in transforming Banaskantha. Narmada water and drip irrigation have helped farmers improve potato production.

The government has approved 12 horticulture clusters for crops such as tomato, potato, chilli, grapes, banana, onion, orange, pomegranate, and cocoa. Farmers can receive subsidies to establish new orchards and improve existing ones.

Two clusters in North Gujarat will especially benefit potato farmers in Banaskantha and Sabarkantha. The government has also increased the capacity of a potato processing plant that produces French fries. This will help the plant procure more potatoes from farmers.

Major Infrastructure Projects in Gujarat

The Prime Minister also announced several transport and infrastructure projects.

Key initiatives include:

• Two new train services: Ahmedabad–Varanasi Sabarmati Express and Mehsana–Becharaji–Sabarmati MEMU.
• Metro projects connecting GIFT City and Ahmedabad Airport.
• Expansion of the Ahmedabad–Mehsana highway from four lanes to eight lanes.
• Inauguration of more than 4,000 modern Anganwadis across Gujarat.

The new Anganwadis will benefit around four lakh children and pregnant women.

Support for Farmers During Global Uncertainty

The Prime Minister discussed the impact of the ongoing conflict around Iran and Gulf countries on global fertiliser prices. He stated that the government maintained the supply of agricultural inputs and protected Indian farmers from international price increases.

He highlighted the difference between international and domestic fertiliser prices. A urea bag that costs around ₹3,000 globally costs less than ₹300 in India. Similarly, a DAP bag that costs more than ₹5,000 internationally costs ₹1,350 in India.

The government aims to protect farmers from rising input costs and support agricultural production.

National Unity Day and Run for Unity

The Prime Minister also encouraged citizens, especially young people, to participate in the Run for Unity on 31 October. The event marks National Unity Day and honours Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

He announced that this year's Unity Festival at Ekta Nagar would begin at 5:30 PM on 31 October. The celebrations would include parades by police and security forces, along with tableaus.

The Prime Minister urged people across the country to participate and strengthen the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.