PM Modi speaks about need to reach farmers, increase productivity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today spoke about the need to reach farmers and increase productivity to ensure maximum benefit to farmers. The Prime Minister was speaking at the 86th ICAR Foundation Day and Award Ceremony.

Commencing his speech, PM Narendra Modi said, "You gave me a standing ovation but I request you to give a standing ovation to the farmers who feed the people of India."

"I wish you all start thinking about how to celebrate the 100 year celebrations of ICAR. Think of how to reach farmers, how our farmers can feed India and the world? How agriculture enriches the pockets of farmers too. Except increasing productivity per hectare we have no choice. We also have to quicken the pace and ensure there is no erosion in quality. We need to ensure scientific management of water cycle keeping in mind the (changing) weather cycle," he added.

Talking about the mixed efforts of students and farmers, for the benefit of both, Modi said, "It is important to see Lab to land - how to get what is done in the lab to the land, to the farmer. Agriculture colleges can have radio stations. Students can get work to research and talk. Through this farmers can gain a lot."

Considering improvement in fisheries, Modi further said, "We talk of Green and White Revolution but we need to look at Blue Revolution- fisheries. There is great scope for development there.