The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi interacted with beneficiaries of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra (VBSY) via video conferencing today. Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is being undertaken across the country to attain saturation of flagship schemes of the government by ensuring that the benefits of these schemes reach all targeted beneficiaries in a time-bound manner.

Upon interaction with an ITI-certified farmer and diploma holder in hardware engineering, Shri Alpeshbhai Chandubhai Nizama, a VBSY Beneficiary from Bharuch, Gujarat the Prime Minister enquired about his decision to join the agriculture sector. Alpeshbhai replied that he decided to quit his job and become a farmer on his ancestral land of 40 acres. He informed the Prime Minister that he availed the benefits of both the state and the central government where he purchased farming equipment at subsidized prices. He further added that he availed the subsidy of Rs 3 lakh in drip irrigation techniques. “At your age I did not know what  lakh rupees looked like and you are talking about lakhs. This is the change”, the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the subsidies availed by Alpeshbhai and also urged him to advise his fellow farmers on the latest farming techniques and modern equipment. Shri Alpeshbhai spoke about his association with ATMA (Agricultural Technology Management Agency)  projects since 2008 where he gained knowledge about farming techniques of other regions and states. He also informed that he had received a ‘Best Farmer Award’ by ATMA in the Prime Minister’s presence in Bharuch.

The Prime Minister took notice of the smiling face of her daughter in the background and also interacted with her, and asked her to lead the chant of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’. As a result, the entire crowd erupted in acclamation bringing immense joy to the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister concluded by mentioning that people like Shri Alpeshbhai are an inspiration for the youth who are turning to agriculture. He assured the farmers of providing a better environment from the fields to the market (Beej se Bazar tak) with modernized techniques, innovation and new thinking. “Entry of educated youth into farming gives strength to this resolution”, he added. The Prime Minister also encouraged the farmers to look towards making use of drones in agriculture. Shri Modi also urged the farmers to prepare for a grander welcome of the ‘Modi Ki Guarantee’ vehicle in the next 5 villages.

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