In a change from his regular anti-Centre rhetoric, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today praised the Union Government for supporting the 'Vibrant Gujarat Agriculture Summit.
"It was a big challenge before us on how to find progressive farmers from every district of the nation. But the Government of India helped us in finding them from across the country," Modi said adding the Centre's help was sought so that deserving farmers, adopting best agri practices, are awarded.
Modi was speaking at the valedictory address of Vibrant Gujarat Global Agriculture Summit-2013.
"We formed a jury, which was supported by the Centre, to screen farmers from India. The entire exercise took six months, after which farmers adopting the best practices in every district were selected," he said.
7,000 farmers from 29 states, including those from two union territories, participated in the two-day summit. Of these, 445 farmers selected for their best practices were felicitated with a cheque of Rs 51,000 each by the Gujarat government.
"We further want that all details of farmers adopting best agri practices be displayed on the Gujarat government website," Modi said adding that after this honour "we want that the world should know how their contribution has helped the nation grow".
"It will illustrate how you achieved excellence, what was your process, what results you got, what experiments you did, so that farmers in the entire country can learn from these experiences," he said.
Secretary, Agriculture, Ashish Bahuguna and Director Indian Council of Agriculture Research Dr S Ayyappan, speaking at the event, praised Gujarat's pro-active initiatives for boosting agri growth.
Responding to them, the Gujarat Chief Minister said "the country's politics has turned such that if someone praises the other, he might face consequences."
Modi, however, attacked state Leader of the Opposition Shankarsinh Vaghala for criticising his government for giving cash awards to farmers from outside the state. "I do not know if such people can be called leaders. Are the farmers who received the award here not Indians?," Modi asked.
