Independence Day Speech: Modi woos farmers; critics say 'disappointed'

Among PM Modi's string of promises for farmers was doubling of their income by 2022

Ahead of the crucial Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tried to woo farmer in his speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Wednesday by reiterating the government’s commitment to doubling their income by 2022. Critics, however, remained unimpressed, citing lack of novelty.

“Our commitment to double the income of Indian farmers is cast in stone.  A lot of people raise doubts about this. But we are firm in our decision,” Modi said. 

He said the government was moving firmly towards modernizing Indian agriculture and providing value addition at every stage, right from