India
Modi Criticises Opposition Rumours, Highlights Farmers’ Support and Development Projects
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked opposition leaders on Friday for spreading rumours about fertiliser and cooking gas shortages amid tensions in the Gulf. He reminded farmers of his pledge to support them and unveiled foundation stones for development projects worth more than ₹14,000 crore, while releasing the 24th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM‑KISAN) scheme.
Modi said that although Gulf tensions continue, the government has not allowed the burden of rising fertiliser prices to fall on farmers. He cited the international price of a bag of urea at ₹3,000, noting that Indian farmers receive it for less than ₹300, and the price of di‑ammonium phosphate (DAP) at ₹5,000 internationally, while Indian farmers pay about ₹1,350. He said the government is bearing the additional cost so farmers can lead better lives.
He highlighted that, thanks to government policies, farmers have received or saved more than ₹50 lakh crore in recent years, with nearly ₹4.5 lakh crore directly transferred to small farmers’ bank accounts under PM‑KISAN. Modi also mentioned the Sweet Revolution in beekeeping, noting honey production has doubled in the last 12 years and a local honey seller earns ₹35 lakh.
During a roadshow in Banaskantha, Modi recalled his first oath of office as Gujarat chief minister in October 2001 and praised the state’s support. He spoke of initiatives such as water and electricity schemes, the rise of Banaskantha’s potato reputation, and the inauguration of a French fries plant that will benefit local farmers.
He listed other achievements: 1.5 billion cattle vaccination doses, over 80 million farmers covered; 1.2 million solar pumps handed to farmers, saving an estimated 80 crore litres of diesel; more than 260 million soil health cards issued; and nearly 3,000 new seed varieties released.
Modi also inaugurated a 127‑acre Bharat Bovine Breeding and Research Centre at Bhildi, the country’s first Centre of Excellence for the Kankrej cattle breed, and highlighted Banas Dairy’s role in expanding the dairy sector.
Other projects unveiled included metro extensions, road widening and Anganwadi centres. Modi announced that National Unity Day (Ekta Parv), previously celebrated in the morning, will now be observed in the evening to remind citizens of the January 26 parade. He is scheduled to attend programmes linked to Rashtriya Ekta Diwas on October 31, marking the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.