Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a series of significant initiatives aimed at bolstering the agricultural and animal husbandry sectors in Washim, Maharashtra, with a total investment of approximately ₹23,300 crore.
The initiatives include the disbursement of the 18th installment of the PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi, the launch of the 5th installment of the NaMo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojana, and the dedication of over 7,500 projects under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF).
During the event, the Prime Minister inaugurated 9,200 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), five solar parks across Maharashtra with a combined capacity of 19 MW, and introduced the Unified Genomic Chip for cattle along with indigenous sex-sorted semen technology.
In his address, the Prime Minister expressed his reverence for Poharadevi Mata from the auspicious land of Washim, recalling his visit to the Mata Jagdamba temple earlier on Saturday. He paid homage to Sant Sevalal Maharaj and Sant Ramrao Maharaj at their samadhi and commemorated the 500th birth anniversary of the great warrior queen of Gondwana, Durgavati ji, celebrated last year.
Highlighting the importance of the ongoing elections in Haryana, the Prime Minister urged the state’s residents to participate in large numbers, emphasizing that their votes would elevate Haryana to new heights.
The Prime Minister detailed the disbursement of the 18th installment of the PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi, which amounts to approximately ₹20,000 crore, benefiting around 9.5 crore farmers. He underscored the state government’s commitment to providing double benefits to farmers and noted that nearly 90 lakh farmers in Maharashtra have received around ₹1,900 crore under the NaMo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojana.
Additionally, PM Modi announced the dedication of multiple projects related to Farmer Producer Organizations valued at hundreds of crores. He also highlighted the Ladki Bahin Yojna, emphasizing its role in empowering women.
Referring to the inauguration of the Banjara Virasat Museum in Poharadevi, the Prime Minister expressed optimism that the museum would familiarize future generations with the ancient culture and rich heritage of the Banjara community. He shared his sentiments from a previous interaction with the Banjara community, noting their satisfaction and pride in having their heritage recognized.
“Our Banjara society has played a significant role in India’s social development,” he said, acknowledging the community’s resilience and contributions across various fields, including art, culture, and spirituality. He paid tribute to revered figures from the Banjara community, including Raja Lakhi Shah Banjara, who dedicated his life to societal service, as well as spiritual leaders like Sant Sewalal Maharaj and Swami Hathiram Ji.
The Prime Minister highlighted how the Poharadevi temple development project began during Devendra Fadnavis’ tenure but was halted by the Maha Vikas Aghadi Government. He said that ₹700 crore was being allocated for the project, which aims to enhance the pilgrimage center and improve travel for devotees.
“Our government’s every decision and policy is dedicated to a Viksit Bharat, with farmers as a crucial foundation of this vision,” he said. The Prime Minister elaborated on key steps taken to strengthen farmers, including the establishment of 9,200 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and various agricultural infrastructure projects to enhance the management and processing of agricultural products, ultimately increasing farmers’ incomes.
He expressed sympathy for the farmers of Maharashtra and Vidarbha, acknowledging their struggles and criticizing previous governments for their plight.
The Prime Minister also mentioned the approval of a ₹90,000 crore project to link the Wainganga and Nalganga rivers, addressing water scarcity issues in several districts, including Amravati, Yavatmal, and Nagpur.
Moreover, he said the state government’s financial assistance of ₹10,000 to farmers cultivating cotton and soybeans and announced the foundation stone for a textile park in Amravati, expected to benefit cotton farmers significantly.
The Prime Minister reiterated Maharashtra’s immense potential to lead India’s economic progress and expressed confidence in realizing the vision of a Viksit Maharashtra and Viksit Bharat.