Prime Minister Narendra Modi has counted on the growth story of the farm sector in recent months to attack opposition saying figures for the sector give the lie to their theory that the farm- sector is in crisis due to demonetization.
Speaking on gains in the field of farm sector PM said “in the last few weeks, an impression was sought to be created that the agriculture sector has been destroyed. Farmers themselves have given a fitting reply to those who were saying so. Rabi sowing is up by 6 per cent compared to the last year. And fertilizer offtake is up by 9 per cent.”
Announcing relief measures for the farmers Modi said “farmers, who have taken loans for the Rabi crop from District Cooperative Central Banks and Primary Societies, will not have to pay interest on such loans for a period of 60 days. Farmers who have paid interest during the last two months, will receive these amounts back, directly into their bank accounts”, he added.
“Arrangements are being made to provide farmers even better access to loans from cooperative banks and societies. NABARD created a fund of 21,000 crore rupees last month. Now, the government is adding 20,000 crore rupees more to this. The loss that NABARD suffers by giving loans to cooperative banks and societies at low interest rates, shall be borne by the Government of India”, he said in his speech.
“The Government has decided, that 3 crore farmers who have Kisan Credit Cards, will be given RuPay debit cards within three months. Kisan Credit Cards were launched in 1998, but so far, it was essential to go to a bank, to use them. Now, farmers will have RuPay Debit Cards, which they can use anywhere”, PM Modi underlined.
“Indians have, with firm resolve and infinite patience, faced difficulties with a smile, re-defining the concept of sacrifice. We have lived these ideals. 125 crore Indians have shown, in their fortitude, the importance we put on truth and goodness. This has been written on the sands of time”, PM said.
On New Year’s Eve, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked his countrymen for showing unprecedented patience in the wake of demonetization and said there is a need to restore the glory of honest Indians in society.
It is historic that both the people and the government are on the same page in this battle against the evil, Modi boasted.