Our vision is to empower rural India by transforming villages into vibrant centres of growth and opportunity: PM
We have launched a campaign to guarantee basic amenities in every village: PM
Our government’s intentions, policies and decisions are empowering rural India with new energy: PM
NEW DELHI, JANUARY 04, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the country is engaged in achieving prosperity through cooperatives and highlighted the significant contribution of cooperatives in transforming the rural landscape. He remarked that India is on the path to prosperity through cooperation, and for this purpose, the Ministry of Cooperation was established in 2021. He noted that around 70,000 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) are being computerized to ensure farmers and villagers get better product value, thereby strengthening the rural economy.
On Saturday, the Prime Minister inaugurated Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Building a Resilient Rural India for a Viksit Bharat 2024 is the theme of the Mahotsav. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Mr Modi emphasized that apart from agriculture, various traditional arts and skills have been prevalent in our villages, such as blacksmithing, carpentry, and pottery. He remarked that these occupations have significantly contributed to the rural and local economy, but were previously neglected. He added that to enhance their skills and provide affordable assistance, the Vishwakarma Yojana is being implemented, allowing lakhs of Vishwakarma artisans to progress.
“When intentions are noble, the results are satisfying”, he said and added that the country is now reaping the benefits of the hard work done over the past 10 years. Citing a recent large-scale survey that revealed several important facts, Modi noted that compared to 2011, consumption in rural India has nearly tripled, indicating that people are spending more on preferred items. He noted that previously, villagers had to spend more than 50% of their income on food, but for the first time since independence, the expenditure on food in rural areas has fallen below 50%. He explained that this meant the people were now spending on other desires and needs, improving their quality of life.
Noting that over the past 10 years, the amount of agricultural loans has increased by 3.5 times, Shri Modi mentioned that now livestock and fish farmers are being provided with Kisan Credit Cards. He added that in addition, more than 9,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in the country are receiving financial assistance. He further underlined that the government has consistently increased the MSP for several crops over the past 10 years.
Emphasizing the significant role of women in India’s rural economy and the government’s efforts to expand this role, Mr Modi remarked that women are redefining rural life as Bank Sakhis and Bima Sakhis, and are leading a new revolution through self-help groups. He noted that 1.15 crore women in villages have become Lakhpati Didis and the government aims to make 3 crore women Lakhpati Didis. He added that special schemes were also being implemented for women from Dalit, deprived, and tribal communities.
Underscoring the unprecedented focus on rural infrastructure, the Prime Minister highlighted that most villages are now connected to highways, expressways, and railways. He noted that under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, approximately 4 lakh kilometers of roads were constructed in rural areas over the past 10 years. “Villages are becoming modern 21st-century villages in terms of digital infrastructure”, said the Prime Minister. He noted that over 94% of rural households now have access to telephones or mobile phones and banking services and world-class technology like UPI was available in villages. Shri Modi highlighted that the number of Common Service Centers has increased from less than 1 lakh before 2014 to over 5 lakh today, providing dozens of government services online. He underscored that this infrastructure was accelerating village development, creating employment opportunities, and integrating villages into the nation’s progress.
Acknowledging the significant role played by NABARD’s senior management in the success of various initiatives, from self-help groups to Kisan Credit Cards, Shri Modi emphasized that NABARD will continue to play a crucial role in fulfilling the nation’s goals. He highlighted the strength of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and their role in ensuring better prices for farmers’ produce. He stressed the need to create more FPOs and move forward in that direction. The Prime Minister remarked that milk production is currently providing the highest returns to farmers. He emphasized the need to establish 5-6 more cooperatives like Amul, with a nationwide reach. He noted that the country is advancing natural farming in mission mode and urged the inclusion of more farmers in this initiative. Modi highlighted the importance of linking self-help groups with micro and small industries (MSMEs) to meet the demand for their products across the country. He emphasized the need for proper branding and marketing of these products. He also stressed the importance of focusing on the quality, packaging, and branding of GI products.
Emphasizing the need to work on diversifying rural income, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of making irrigation affordable, promoting micro-irrigation, creating more rural enterprises, and maximizing the benefits of natural farming for the rural economy. He urged for time-bound efforts in this direction. Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman and Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary were present among the dignitaries.
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