Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accused opposition parties of spreading falsehoods about potential shortages of fertiliser and cooking gas, which he claims are aimed at creating panic amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Speaking at an event in Banaskantha district, Gujarat, on October 30, Modi assured that the government has maintained the availability of these essential resources despite international tensions and price surges.
Modi emphasized that the government has shielded Indian farmers from the impact of rising global fertiliser prices through significant subsidies. He highlighted that while a bag of urea is priced at around ₹3,000 in the international market, it is being provided to Indian farmers for under ₹300. Similarly, DAP fertiliser, costing approximately ₹5,000 globally, is available for ₹1,350 per bag in India.
During the gathering, Modi also released the 24th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, which offers ₹6,000 annually to eligible farmers as direct income support. He highlighted that over recent years, farmers have benefited or saved more than ₹50 lakh crore through various government policies, including minimum support prices, crop insurance, and solar-powered irrigation initiatives.
The Prime Minister noted that wheat and paddy farmers have received approximately ₹24 lakh crore through the Minimum Support Price system over the past 12 years. Additionally, more than ₹2 lakh crore has been disbursed under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana as compensation to farmers.
In addition to addressing agricultural issues, Modi inaugurated the Bharat Bovine Breeding and Research Centre in Gujarat, focusing on the indigenous Kankrej cattle breed. This 127-acre facility aims to support research and development in the livestock sector and expand income opportunities through dairy farming, biogas, and bio-CNG production.
Reflecting on his political journey, Modi marked 25 years in public service since his first oath as Gujarat Chief Minister in October 2001. He credited the people of Gujarat for their support, which has enabled him to serve both the state and the nation. Modi is set to participate in events commemorating Rashtriya Ekta Diwas on October 31, honoring the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.