The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today outlined various steps being undertaken by the Union Government for the agriculture sector and welfare of farmers. He was speaking at a public meeting after paying homage to martyrs at the National Martyrs Memorial in Hussainiwala, near Firozpur in Punjab. He called upon the farmers of Punjab, who, he said, had eliminated hunger from India, to now take the lead in adopting modern water conservation practices and judicious use of chemical fertilizers. The Prime Minister criticized those who were misleading farmers, and said the Union Government is working on far-reaching policies to promote the welfare of farmers. In this regard, the Prime Minister emphasized initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana and Soil Health Cards. Shri Narendra Modi said his Government would provide relief to farmers affected by the recent unseasonal rains. The Prime Minister said he had come to salute martyrs such as Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev. He reiterated his commitment to build an India of their dreams where youth have employment, and the poorest of the poor are also benefited. He outlined his vision of "Housing for All," by 2022, and "Swachh Bharat by 2019. The Prime Minister announced the setting up of the Shaheed Bhagat Singh PG Institute for Horticulture Research and Education at Amritsar. The Prime Minister also explained how the Union Government is working towards empowering states with more resources. He spoke about the benefit that Punjab would get as a result of the acceptance of the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission. The Prime Minister spoke about the various ways in which the Union Government had curbed corruption, including through successful coal block auctions. The Chief Minister of Punjab Shri Parkash Singh Badal, and Union Minister Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal were present on the occasion.
