Bhagalpur: When in Bhagalpur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked silk! Speaking about Bhagalpuri silk, he mentioned the local saying in Bhagalpur that even the trees yield gold, highlighting the esteemed reputation of Bhagalpuri silk and tussar silk across India. He also noted the growing international demand for tussar silk, reflecting its increasing popularity abroad.
The Prime Minister pointed out that the Central government is prioritizing infrastructure enhancements for the silk industry, which includes establishing units for dyeing, printing, and processing fabrics. These developments aim to equip the weavers of Bhagalpur with state-of-the-art facilities, allowing their exquisite products to be distributed globally.
Modi said it was a “great fortune” to step into the land of Mandarachal during the holy period of Maha Kumbh, and remarked that it was the land of martyr Tilka Manjhi as well as renowned as Silk City. The popular local mango variety, Jardalu, was also on Modi’s menu here. Modi mentioned the establishment of one of the three new Centres of Excellence dedicated to agriculture within the state of Bihar will be located in Bhagalpur, specifically targeting the renowned Jardalu mango variety, while the other two will be situated in Munger and Buxar, aimed at supporting farmers who cultivate tomatoes, onions, and potatoes. Modi underscored the government’s commitment to making impactful decisions that prioritize the welfare of farmers.
The Prime Minister today released the 19th instalment of PM KISAN from Bhagalpur. He also launched many development projects during the occasion, and spoke about the plans for the creation of the National Institute of Food Technology and Entrepreneurship in Bihar, to enhance agricultural innovation.
Modi claimed approximately 7.5 million farming families in Bihar have benefited from the PM KISAN scheme, with the 19th instalment being disbursed today. He highlighted that a substantial amount of ₹1,600 crore was transferred directly into the bank accounts of farmers in Bihar. In his address, he conveyed heartfelt wishes to all farming families across Bihar and the nation.
The Prime Minister marked today as a “momentous occasion”, announcing that the Government has successfully reached its ambitious goal of establishing 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) across the nation. He expressed his joy at the milestone being celebrated in Bihar, where the 10,000th FPO has been registered in Khagaria district, focusing on crops such as maize, banana, and paddy. He underscored that FPOs represent more than mere organizations; they are a transformative force aimed at enhancing farmers’ incomes. Modi pointed out that these organizations grant small farmers direct access to substantial market advantages, opening doors to opportunities that were once out of reach for many. He highlighted that around 30 lakh farmers are now affiliated with FPOs, with nearly 40 per cent being women, and noted that these organizations are generating business worth thousands of crores in the agricultural sector.
Modi also emphasized the importance of introducing Bihar’s Makhana to the international market, stating that this nutritious snack has gained significant popularity as a breakfast item across Indian cities and is recognized as a superfood. He mentioned that the establishment of a Makhana Board, as outlined in this year’s budget, will provide comprehensive support to Makhana farmers, aiding them in production, processing, value addition, and marketing efforts. He further said the Government was tackling one of Bihar’s critical challenges by constructing a multitude of bridges over rivers to alleviate transportation issues. He pointed out that the lack of adequate bridges led to numerous complications for the state. He underscored the swift advancements being made in the construction of a four-lane bridge over the Ganga River, with an investment exceeding ₹1,100 crore allocated for this initiative. He also noted that Bihar suffers considerable losses due to flooding, and emphasized that the Government has sanctioned projects worth thousands of crores to combat this problem. He highlighted that this year’s budget includes support for the Western Kosi Canal ERM Project, which aims to irrigate 50,000 hectares of land in the Mithilanchal region, ultimately benefiting countless farming families.
– global bihari bureau
