Modi calls for better co-ordination between Centre & states

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday stressed on the need for better co-ordination between the Centre and states in order to take the nation forward.

Addressing a food park inaugural function in Tumkur, Karnataka, Prime Minister Modi said, "The Chief Minister addressed you in Kannada. I do not understand the language, but I understood what he said. The Centre and the states will have to work together to take the nation forward. We have to understand the feelings of the states and we have to work together to implement schemes."

"In making this food park, the state government, central government and the private parties have all contributed. When the states become stronger, the nation will become stronger, when states progress the nation will progress," he added.

The Prime Minister reminded how the states and Centre used to be at odds with each other earlier which he said cannot be an ideal to run the country as all will have to work as a team.

"The Prime Minister and Chief Minister may belong to any party, the nation is one. We all have to walk shoulder to shoulder," he added.

Talking about the need to give proper return to the farmers produce, Prime Minister Modi said, "We have been listening that India is agrarian country, but what is the state of farmers in this country. The farmers produce and feed our countrymen and they have strength to feed various sections of world, but they do not get enough in return. Where will they go if they do not get back proper return. There should be value addition for their produce."Lauding the scientists at ISRO, Prime Minister Modi said, "The scientists have achieved a marvel today, wherein they have put India as the first nation to enter Mars orbit in its first attempt."

"If we need to take the Indian economy forward then the purchasing power of the village people will have to be increased. That's happens when the agriculture system gets stronger. For farmers to develop economically they need to be given facilities for better growth," he added.

The food park, which has been set up at a cost of Rs 140-crore on a plot of 110 acres, will become operational by December. The park is expected to act as a bridge between the farmers and consumers.

Karnataka Governor Vajubha Vala, Chief Minister Siddramaiah and Union Ministers Sadananda Gowda and Ananth Kumar, were also present on the occasion.