Bhagalpur (Bihar)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his rally in Bhagalpur, Bihar, extolled the benefits of the state’s Makhana (foxnut), declaring it a “superfood” and encouraging its global production. Modi shared that he personally consumes Makhana for 300 out of 365 days annually, promoting it as a healthy and essential food item. The Prime Minister urged the expansion of Makhana into global markets, calling for an increased focus on production. As a part of the initiative, he revealed that a Makhana Board would be established to support the farmers of Bihar, enhance value addition, and improve marketing strategies to benefit the region’s agricultural community.
The announcement comes as part of the broader vision of the government to strengthen India's agricultural sector and create better livelihoods for farmers. Modi also highlighted the successes of the government’s agricultural export initiatives, noting that the export of farm products had seen significant increases in recent years, providing farmers with better prices for their produce. He added that numerous agricultural products had been exported for the first time, including Makhana from Bihar. The Prime Minister noted that the new Makhana Board would specifically address the needs of Makhana farmers and help promote the product globally.
Upon his arrival in Bhagalpur for the release of the 19th installment of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), the Prime Minister was felicitated by a garland made entirely of Makhana. He celebrated the milestone of disbursing over Rs. 3.46 lakh crore through the PM Kisan Yojana, benefitting more than 11 crore farmer families across India. He also pointed out that Bihar would host the 10,000th Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO), which would focus on improving the production of crops like maize, bananas, and paddy. The new FPO, based in Khagaria district, is a key step in furthering the government’s efforts to bolster the agricultural practices in the region.
PM Modi also announced the 'PM Dhan Dhanya Yojana,' which will focus on 100 districts across the country with low crop production. This initiative aims to increase farming productivity in these areas through special campaigns. The government’s agricultural initiatives, including the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, the creation of FPOs, and the establishment of Makhana boards, represent a concerted effort to improve the welfare of farmers and raise the profile of agricultural products globally.
Modi criticises Lalu Yadav’s ‘Jungle Raj’ comments
In the same rally, PM Modi took aim at Lalu Yadav, the leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), over his controversial remarks dismissing the Mahakumbh, the largest religious gathering in the world, as "faaltu" (useless). Speaking in Bhagalpur, Modi denounced Yadav’s comments, stating that those who have “no faith in heritage and culture” are not deserving of respect in Bihar. Modi said that those who criticise the sacred Mahakumbh event in Prayagraj, where millions gather for a holy dip, are insulting India’s faith, unity, and harmony. The Prime Minister expressed his confidence that the people of Bihar would not forgive those who disrespect such a sacred occasion.
He pointed out the contrast between the BJP-led NDA government’s respect for India’s spiritual heritage and the criticisms voiced by Yadav, accusing him and the "Jungle Raj" government of undermining India’s cultural values. Modi reminded the crowd that more people have participated in the Mahakumbh than the entire population of Europe, highlighting the event’s scale and significance. The Prime Minister assured the people that the NDA government would continue to preserve and build on India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage, emphasising the BJP’s commitment to securing a brighter future for the nation.
Prime Minister Modi also took the opportunity to highlight the government’s ongoing efforts to protect farmers from the challenges of natural calamities, including the launch of the PM Phasal Bima Yojana in 2014, which has provided Rs. 1.75 lakh crore in claims for farmers affected by disasters. He praised the work done by the NDA government to support farmers, contrasting it with the past regimes, which, according to Modi, failed to address the challenges farmers faced.
Strengthening Bihar’s Agricultural Sector
PM Modi's speech underscored his government's commitment to the agricultural sector, particularly in Bihar, where he expressed a strong belief in the potential of the region's unique crops, like Makhana. He also stressed the importance of uplifting the farmers in Bihar and providing them with the tools and support they need for success. The Prime Minister reiterated his vision of seeing Indian-grown products, like Makhana, in kitchens across the world.
The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Yojana, a central sector scheme launched on February 24, 2019, continues to play a key role in supporting farmers by providing annual financial assistance of Rs. 6,000 per eligible farmer family. With the latest transfer, approximately Rs 22,000 crore will be sent directly into the bank accounts of 9.8 crore farmers. PM Modi also took the opportunity to praise Bihar’s rich agricultural potential, calling it the land of heroes like Tilka Manjhi and the Silk City.
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Modi concluded his speech by reaffirming the importance of farmers, women, youth, and the poor as the four pillars on which a developed India stands. He reiterated his government's dedication to supporting the farming community and ensuring that every farmer has access to good seeds, affordable fertilisers, adequate irrigation facilities, and protection against natural disasters. The Prime Minister’s message resonated strongly with the farmers present, who responded enthusiastically to his vision for a prosperous and self-reliant India.
As Bihar prepares for its state assembly elections later this year, PM Modi's rally in Bhagalpur reinforced his party’s vision of agricultural growth and national unity, while also taking on his political rivals, making it clear that the NDA government is determined to support farmers and preserve India’s rich cultural heritage.