Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused opposition parties of spreading false information about fertiliser and cooking gas shortages amidst the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Addressing a gathering in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district on October 30, Modi claimed that these rumours were intended to create panic and undermine the government’s image.
Modi assured the public that his government had maintained the availability of fertilisers despite international tensions and rising prices. He accused opposition leaders of instigating unnecessary fear among farmers by alleging that fertilisers would become scarce and alarming households with claims of potential cooking gas shortages.
The Prime Minister emphasized the government’s efforts to shield farmers from the financial impact of international fertiliser price hikes through subsidies. He highlighted that a bag of urea costing about ₹3,000 in the international market was being provided to Indian farmers for less than ₹300, and DAP fertiliser, priced at approximately ₹5,000 internationally, was available to farmers at ₹1,350 per bag. Modi stated that these measures were aimed at supporting agricultural production and protecting farmers from economic hardships.
During the event, Modi also released the 24th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, which provides ₹6,000 annually in direct income support to eligible farmers. He outlined the government’s agricultural initiatives, claiming that farmers had received or saved over ₹50 lakh crore through various policies in recent years. Programs mentioned included minimum support prices, crop insurance, solar-powered irrigation, and soil health improvement.
Modi further detailed that through the Minimum Support Price system, wheat and paddy farmers received approximately ₹24 lakh crore over the past 12 years, and more than ₹2 lakh crore was dispensed in compensation under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. He highlighted improvements in dairy production, fisheries, honey production, and agricultural technology, aiming to increase farmers’ incomes and strengthen rural livelihoods.
Additionally, Modi inaugurated the 127-acre Bharat Bovine Breeding and Research Centre at Bhildi, dedicated to the indigenous Kankrej cattle breed. This facility is intended to advance research, breeding, and development within the livestock sector. Modi underscored the importance of expanding income opportunities through dairy farming, biogas, and bio-CNG production, including the use of cattle waste.
Reflecting on his political journey, Modi recalled his first oath as Gujarat Chief Minister in October 2001 and marked 25 years in public life. He attributed his ability to serve the state and the nation to the support of the people of Gujarat. Modi is scheduled to participate in programs commemorating Rashtriya Ekta Diwas on October 31, celebrating the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.