Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday accused his political opponents of spreading rumours about fertiliser and cooking gas shortages amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.
He said such claims were aimed at creating panic and defaming his government.
Addressing farmers in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district, Modi said the government had protected farmers from rising international fertiliser prices. He also released the 24th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth over Rs 14,000 crore.
PM Modi Explains Fertiliser Prices Amid West Asia Conflict
Modi said tensions in the Gulf region were continuing, but his government had ensured that farmers did not face the burden of increased fertiliser prices.
He said a bag of urea costs around Rs 3,000 in the international market, while Indian farmers get it for less than Rs 300. Similarly, DAP fertiliser, which costs around Rs 5,000 internationally, is available to Indian farmers for Rs 1,350.
“But some people do not like this. These are the people who want to see the country in crisis. They feel happy when they see the country in crisis,” Modi said.
PM-KISAN’s 24th Instalment Released
The Prime Minister transferred ₹18,680 crore to the bank accounts of more than 9.34 crore farmer families under the 24th instalment of PM-KISAN.
Under the scheme, eligible farmers receive ₹6,000 annually in three equal instalments of Rs 2,000 each. Modi said nearly Rs 4.5 lakh crore had been transferred directly to farmers through the scheme.
He also highlighted the government’s record on Minimum Support Price (MSP), claiming that wheat and paddy farmers had received ₹24 lakh crore over the past 12 years.
Modi Highlights Dairy And Agricultural Development
Modi inaugurated the 127-acre Bharat Bovine Breeding and Research Centre at Bhildi, which focuses on improving indigenous cattle breeds, particularly Kankrej cattle. It is the country’s first Centre of Excellence for the breed.
He also highlighted progress in dairy farming, fisheries, solar pumps and crop insurance. According to him, more than 260 million Soil Health Cards have been issued to farmers.
‘Will Serve Until My Last Breath’: Modi Recalls 25 Years In Public Life
Recalling his first oath as Gujarat Chief Minister in October 2001, Modi said the people of Gujarat had given him the opportunity to serve both the state and the country.
He also spoke about his early days in office, saying he knew little about government offices and files when he first took the oath.
“When people ask me about electricity schemes and water schemes, I tell them that this is what I have learnt from you and implemented. I will continue serving people until my last breath,” he said.
The Prime Minister is on a two-day visit to Gujarat. On October 31, he is scheduled to participate in Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations marking the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.