Washim: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated a series of significant projects in the agriculture and animal husbandry sectors, amounting to approximately ₹23,300 crore, during a visit to Washim, Maharashtra. The initiatives included the disbursement of the 18th installment of the PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi, the launch of the 5th installment of the NaMo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojana, and the dedication of over 7,500 projects under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF). Additionally, 9,200 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) were introduced, along with the launch of five solar parks and the unveiling of innovative technologies such as the Unified Genomic Chip for cattle and indigenous sex-sorted semen technology.
Addressing a large gathering, Prime Minister Modi paid homage to Poharadevi Mata and highlighted the importance of the newly inaugurated Banjara Virasat Museum in Poharadevi, aimed at preserving the ancient culture and heritage of the Banjara community. He expressed pride in the community’s contributions to India’s spiritual and cultural development, honoring historical figures like Raja Lakhi Shah Banjara and Sant Sevalal Maharaj for their resilience during challenging times.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the disbursement of ₹20,000 crore under the PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi, benefiting around 9.5 crore farmers, and highlighted Maharashtra’s efforts to provide additional financial aid through the NaMo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojana, which has supported about 90 lakh farmers with ₹1,900 crore in assistance. The launch of 9,200 FPOs was hailed as a critical step in improving agricultural infrastructure and enhancing farmers’ incomes through better storage, processing, and management of agricultural products.
During his speech, Prime Minister Modi emphasized his government’s commitment to empowering India’s farmers, laborers, and marginalized communities. He lauded the state government’s zero electricity bill policy for farmers and announced the approval of a major irrigation project linking the Wainganga and Nalganga rivers, a ₹90,000 crore initiative that is expected to alleviate water shortages in several districts across Maharashtra.
The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to criticize previous state governments for delaying key agricultural and irrigation projects, accusing them of corruption and inefficiency. He contrasted this with the current government’s rapid progress, particularly in areas like irrigation, cotton farming, and soybean cultivation, and noted the foundation of a new textile park in Amravati to support cotton farmers.
In his closing remarks, Prime Minister Modi expressed confidence that Maharashtra has the potential to become a leader in India’s economic development, driven by a commitment to the empowerment of the nation’s poor and marginalized citizens. He reiterated his vision for a Viksit Maharashtra and a Viksit Bharat, with a focus on unity and progress.
