National

PM Modi: We Are Creating a Prosperous and Empowered Future for Farmers in India

Published

1 year ago

March 1, 2025

On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that agriculture serves as the primary engine of development, ensuring farmers hold a respected status in society.

During a post-budget webinar on agriculture and rural prosperity conducted via video conferencing, Modi expressed, “India is committed to two significant objectives: advancing the agriculture sector and fostering the prosperity of our villages.”

He reiterated the nation’s unwavering commitment towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, stating that the aim is to create an India where farmers thrive and are empowered, ensuring that no farmer is overlooked and that every individual is uplifted.

Modi highlighted that the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, launched six years ago, has disbursed approximately ₹3.75 lakh crore to farmers, directly benefiting 11 crore farmers through their bank accounts.

He pointed out that the annual support of ₹6,000 is vital in bolstering the rural economy.

The Prime Minister mentioned the establishment of a farmer-focused digital infrastructure to ensure that the advantages of this scheme are accessible to farmers nationwide, effectively minimizing the chances of middlemen and fund misallocation.

He noted that the success of such initiatives is enhanced through collaboration with experts and forward-thinking individuals, emphasizing that the effective execution of any program is achievable with their assistance.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the efforts made so far and affirmed that the government is actively working to implement the announcements made in this year’s budget while seeking ongoing collaboration.

Highlighting the significance of participation in the post-budget webinar, he thanked everyone for being part of the discussion. Modi noted that this year’s budget represents the first full budget of the government’s third term, illustrating a continuation of policies alongside an expanded vision for Viksit Bharat.

He acknowledged the invaluable feedback and suggestions received from stakeholders prior to the budget, which played an essential role in shaping its effectiveness.

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of stakeholder involvement in ensuring the budget achieves its objectives.

Noting that India’s agricultural output has reached unprecedented levels, he stated that agricultural production has risen from approximately 265 million tons a decade ago to over 330 million tons today.

Moreover, horticultural production has surpassed 350 million tons. He credited this achievement to the government’s comprehensive approach, spanning from seed to market, along with agricultural reforms, farmer empowerment, and a robust value chain.

Modi emphasized the necessity of fully harnessing the nation’s agricultural potential to set even higher goals. To support this, the budget includes the PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana, aimed at cultivating the 100 least productive agricultural districts.

The Prime Minister referenced the positive outcomes of the Aspirational Districts program across various development metrics, which have benefited from collective effort, synergy, and healthy competition.

He encouraged attendees to analyze the results from these districts and apply those lessons to enhance the PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana, ultimately increasing farmers’ incomes in these targeted areas.

Lastly, Modi highlighted that while recent efforts have elevated pulse production, India still relies on imports for 20% of its domestic consumption, underscoring the urgent need to increase pulse cultivation.

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National

UP Teen Dies in Street Racing Crash In Lucknow

Published

6 hours ago

March 16, 2026

Namma Kudla

Uttar Pradesh: A 17-year-old Class 12 student died in a road accident during a street race in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday.

The victim, Naitik Kumar, was riding a Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 with a group of bikers near Janeshwar Mishra Park. While racing, he suddenly lost control of his bike after hitting something on the road.

His bike crashed into a Honda Activa in front of him. He then fell onto a road divider and suffered serious head injuries.

The Activa slid across the road and hit another bike, a Kawasaki Ninja, which was moving at high speed. The Ninja rider was adjusting his action camera when the accident happened.

Naitik Kumar was rushed to a nearby hospital, but doctors declared him dead. Police said he was not wearing proper protective gear.

Two others involved in the accident suffered minor injuries. Police are checking CCTV footage to find the exact cause of the crash.

National

BCM Hostel Manager Dies by Suicide

Published

12 hours ago

March 16, 2026

Namma Kudla

Hassan: A hostel manager working under the Backward Classes Welfare Department died by suicide in Channarayapatna of Hassan district.

The deceased has been identified as Lokesh (45). He had been serving as a warden for two hostels in Guddenahalli, Hassan, and was recently promoted as a hostel manager a few days ago. Following the promotion, he was posted as the manager of the BCM hostel in Channarayapatna.

According to reports, Lokesh allegedly died by suicide by hanging himself at his residence on Saturday night.

The exact reason for his suicide is not yet known. Local police visited the spot, conducted a preliminary inspection, and have begun an investigation into the incident.