New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today flagged off the 100th Kisan Rail in Maharashtra and said the move is a big step toward empowering farmers of the country.
The 100th Kisan Rail was flagged off from Sangola in Maharashtra to Shalimar in West Bengal virtually.
“I congratulate crores of farmers of the country. Despite Covid-19 challenge Kisan Rail network has expanded in the last four months and got its 100th rail now,” PM Modi said, adding that Kisan Rail is a big step towards empowering farmers and increasing their income.
He said this service will bring a major change in the economy related to farming and will also increase the strength of the country’s cold supply chain.
The Prime Minister also said that farmers and farming of every region of the country are being connected by Kisan Rail.
“More than 80 per cent of the small and marginal farmers of the country have got great power through Kisan Rail,” PM Modi said.
PM Modi said there is no minimum quantum for farmers as a farmer can also send a parcel of 50-100 kg. “The farmer used to spend a lot on rent for transporting his crop to distant markets. In view of this problem, three years ago our government gave 50% subsidy on transportation of tomatoes, onions and potatoes,” PM Modi said during the launch.
The Prime Minister remarked that the government’s priority is focussed on storage-linked infrastructure and processing industries associated with value addition in farming products.
He said about 6,500 such projects have been approved under Mega Food Parks, Cold Chain Infrastructure and Agro Processing Cluster, under the PM Krishi Sampada Yojana. Rs 10,000 crore have been sanctioned for micro food processing industries under AatmaNirbhar Abhiyan package, Modi added.
“We will keep on marching on the path of strengthening Indian agriculture and Kisan with full dedication,” the Prime Minister stated.
Union ministers Narendra Singh Tomar and Piyush Goyal were also present at the event.
-RJV/CHK
