Success of Krishi Mahotsav has shattered the illusions of those who mislead farmers regarding Gujarat's agricultural growth: CM
Chief Minister Narendra Modi kicked off month-long Krishi Mahotsav today at Manavadar in Junagadh district. He said the success of Krishi Mahotsav has shattered the illusions of those who mislead farmers regarding Gujarat's agricultural growth.
Gujarat has maintained a growth rate of around 11% whereas the nation's agricultural growth rate is mere 2.5%. Centre should compete with Gujarat on the front of development, rather than entering into conflicts with it, Mr. Modi said.
Along with this eighth consecutive Krishi Mahotsav, the state-wide cattle health fairs have also begun. The krishi-raths will move across all the 224 seats of taluka panchayat of the State. A team of 90,000, comprising officials of Agricultural department and Agriculture scientists will meet lakhs of farmers and provide them information and guidance about latest technology and methods in the field of agriculture.
The Chief Minister greeted the large turnout of farmers and felicitated Sardar Patel Krishi prize winner farmers. He also dedicated to people Junagadh Agriculture University's veterinary college campus and Indoor Sports Complex.
Chief Minister said that the Rain God has bestowed his blessings on Gujarat during last decade. In addition, the farmers of Gujarat have greatly responded to water conservation campaigns. These efforts have made the Krishi Mahotsav successful.
Speaking about State's water conservation initiatives and promotion of modern methods of farming the Chief Minister said that the nation's agricultural growth was hindered because of the shortage water. But the water conservation initiatives of Gujarat have shown a new direction to the country. “Only the use of drip irrigation and the approach of ‘more crop per drop' will make the farmers prosperous”, he said.
The Chief Minister expressed dissatisfaction over Centre's disapproval for putting gates on Sardar Sarovar dam. He said that there was a time when the issue of Dark Zone confronted Gujarat when ground water levels went down. But because of the massive water conservation efforts the water levels have increased by 3 to 13 meter. And so, the state government has lifted the Dark Zone restrictions from 57 talukas, he said.
The Chief Minister also spoke of soil health card and the initiatives in the field of dairy industry. He said that through cattle health fairs about 100 animal diseases have successfully been eliminated from the State.
Speaking on the occasion Agriculture Minister Dilip Sanghani gave numeric details of the production of various crops. He also outlined the state government's initiatives and achievements in the field of animal husbandry and dairy industry.
MLA R.C.Faladu gave details of the success of Kisan Rath Yaytra which was organized recently. He appealed the farmers to use newly developed seeds in farming and go for value-added farming.
Rajyasabha member Mr. Purshottam Rupala, Minister of State Vasanbhai Ahir and Minister of State for Agriculture Kanubhai Bhalala also spoke on the occasion.
State Planning Commission Chairman Bhupendrasinh Chudasama, Parliamentary Secretary L.K.Rajani, former MP Vijay Rupani, former Minister Mohan Patel, District BJP President Madhabhai Boricha, Junagadh's former Mayor Jyotiben Vasani, MLA Karsanbhai Odedara, Pravinbhai Makadiya, Vandanaben Makwana, Bhagawanjibhai Kargathiya, Mahendrabhai Masharu, Rajshibhai Jotava, Collector Manish Bharadwaj, District Police Chief Dipankar Trivedi and farmers in large number were present on the occasion.