Surat's natural farming can become model for India: PM

"Success of Surat in connecting 75 farmers in every panchayat with natural farming is going to become an example for the entire country," he said.

"This is a great beginning and is very encouraging. The Surat Model of natural farming can become a model for the entire country," the Prime Minister added.

Modi was addressing a Natural Farming Conclave in Surat via video conferencing.

Talking about natural farming in Surat, the Prime Minister said local bodies played a concerted role in selecting 75 farmers from every panchayat and hand-holded them with training and other resources.

"This has led to a situation where more than 40 thousand farmers in 550 panchayats have become involved in natural farming," he said.

The conclave on natural farming is witnessing the participation of thousands of farmers and all other stakeholders who have made the adoption of natural farming in Surat a success story.

The Prime Minister said that the country has started working on many such goals, which will form the basis of major changes in the times to come.

"In connection with 75 years of independence, the country has started working on many goals which will become the basis for major changes in the times to come. The basis of progress and speed of the country is the spirit of Sabka Prayas, which is leading this development journey of ours," he said.

That is why, he said Gram Panchayats have been given a key role in the welfare projects for the poor and the deprived.

He said the basis of the country's progress in Amritkaal is the spirit of everyone's effort that is leading our development journey.

The Prime Minister remarked that when big projects are powered by people’s participation, their success is ensured by the people of the country.

"The extraordinary success of the Digital India Mission is also the country's answer to those who used to say that bringing change in the village is not easy. Our villages have shown that villages can not only bring change but can also lead the change," he said.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the entire world is talking about a sustainable lifestyle.

“This is one area where India has led the world for centuries, therefore, now is the time when we move forward on the path of natural farming and take full advantage of the global opportunities that are emerging,” he said.

The conclave was also attended by Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendrabhai Patel.

(With UNI inputs)