Srinagar, Oct 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir possess immense potential, adding that the launch of train services has accelerated the movement of goods from the Valley.
Prime Minister made these remarks while interacting with progressive farmers in New Delhi during the launch of the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojna, a scheme worth Rs 24,000 crore aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, encouraging crop diversification, improving irrigation facilities, and boosting access to farm credit in 100 selected districts.
Among those present was Fayaz Ahmad Ganaie, a farmer from Ganderbal in central Kashmir. Sharing his experience, Ganaie told the Prime Minister, “I’ve come from Kashmir. I saw your progressive scheme for farmers and availed its benefits. Today, I have 14 employees and earn profits of nearly Rs 15 lakh annually. All this has been possible due to your government’s policies.”
Responding to him, Modi said, “The youth of Jammu and Kashmir have immense strength. Now, with train services operational, goods are moving quickly out of the Valley.”
For the first time, cars have been transported directly to Srinagar while apples and other Valley produce are reaching Delhi through these new railway goods services.
During the interaction, the Prime Minister urged cultivators to adopt natural farming gradually, advising them to first implement it on smaller portions of their land before scaling up.
Several farmers shared their views during the event. A woman farmer described the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme as a “blessing,” saying the annual Rs 6,000 support helped her purchase seeds and meet essential expenses. Another farmer showcased aeroponically grown “Jain potatoes,” while others introduced value-added products like garlic paste and powder.
Participants also spoke about their personal bond with the Prime Minister. One farmer remarked, “When he spoke to us, it felt like he was not a Prime Minister but one of our family members.”
Modi underlined that in the past 11 years, India’s agricultural exports have nearly doubled, food grain production has increased by around 90 million metric tonnes, and fruit and vegetable output has grown by more than 64 million metric tonnes. He added that India now ranks first in global milk production, second in fish production, and has doubled honey production since 2014.
He further noted that over 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) have been set up to strengthen farmer cooperation and market access, adding that the inspiration behind the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana came from the successful model of Aspirational Districts. (KNC)
