NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Monday that his government has undertaken landmark reforms in the agricultural sector to boost agriculture and empower farmers.
Marking the 100th “Kisan Rail” from Sangola in Maharashtra to Shalimar in west bengal Through videoconferences, Modi said his government’s policies are clear and intentions transparent in reforming the agricultural sector.
He will continue to work to strengthen farmers and the agricultural sector with all his strength and dedication, he said.
His comments came amid ongoing protests by a section of farmers against the CenterThe three laws of agrarian reform. Modi did not directly refer to these laws on Monday, but has often claimed that they are in the interest of farmers and accused opposition parties of misleading them.
The ‘Kisan Rail’, a service started by your government, will help small and marginal farmers, who are more than 80 percent of the peasantry, in supplying their products to distant markets, said the prime minister, adding that a high demand for their services led to an increase in their frequency.
This will also help boost farmers’ income, he added.
This is also a testament to the fact that farmers are interested in the new possibilities, he said.
The government has been working to boost the supply chain, cold storage facilities, and add value to farmers’ products to help them, he said.
The multi-freight train will transport vegetables such as cauliflower, bell pepper, cabbage, thigh, chili and onion, as well as fruits such as grape, orange, pomegranate, banana and custard apple, according to an official statement.
Loading and unloading of perishable products will be allowed at all stops en route without restrictions on the size of the shipment, he said, adding that the Center has granted a 50 percent subsidy to the transport of fruits and vegetables.
It should be noted that the first Kisan rail was introduced from Devlali in Maharashtra to Danapur in Bihar on August 7, which was further extended to Muzaffarpur.
Following the good response from farmers, their frequency was increased from a weekly service to three days a week, he said.
“Kisan Rail has been a game changer to ensure rapid transportation of agricultural products across the country. It provides a seamless supply chain for perishable goods,” he said.
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