Conservation of water essential, Indian farmers can do wonder with it : PM Modi

"We are responsible to the future generation and that is why it is essential to conserve water," he said while addressing a rally in Gujarat's Jamnagar in the Saurashtra region.

"A farmer from any part of India, give that farmer water and see the wonders the farmer can do," he adding  the Centre has taken up many programmes for the welfare of farmers

Earlier in the day, the PM had inaugurated SAUNI Yojna, an irrigation scheme that he had initiated in Gujarat in 2012 as Chief Minister.

Saurashtra Narmada Avtaran Irrigation Yojna, or SAUNI, is a project that aims to solve the water problems of the draught-prone Saurashtra region.

"This is an initiative that will make every Gujarati proud. All of us should take note of how this SAUNI Yojana has come through,"Modi said.

"I still remember when I met lawmakers of Saurashtra and talked about NI Yojana...Can you imagine, in Kutch earlier our Jawans hardly got adequate water. No one imagined agriculture could happen there but it changed."

The PM said the  water table of Gujarat which was falling began to rise as check  dams were built in large numbers.

"Few people did not like what I said then, they disagreed with me but I remained firm on my stand that water is of prime importance," he said.

"When I took oath as CM, I would tell farmers that what is most important for you is water," Modi said.

Lauding the pace of development in Gujarat, the PM said the state  is destined for transformation

"Gujarat has adopted the Mantra of Vikas. This Mantra is going to transform Gujarat," he said.

Towards the end of his address, he also alluded to the recent successes of India's women athletes at the Rio Olympics, and urged parents to provide the same opportunities  to both boys and girls.

"We must never discriminate between sons and daughters. Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao and now people are adding Beti Khilao," Modi said.