PM Modi in Banaskantha: "Farmers Here Already Make Gold from Potatoes," Releases ₹18,690 Crore for PM-KISAN

Banaskantha (Gujarat): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his two-day visit to Gujarat, addressed a massive public gathering in Banaskantha on Friday. Blending sharp political jabs with major developmental announcements, the PM released the 24th installment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi and inaugurated projects worth over ₹14,000 crore.

The 'Potato-Gold' Jibe and a Guinness-Worthy Spectacle Taking a veiled dig at the opposition's infamous 'potato-to-gold' meme, PM Modi praised the hard-working farmers of the region. "No one comes to Banaskantha and says they will make gold out of potatoes, because the people here are already making gold from potatoes. The potatoes grown here are world-famous," he remarked.

Adding a unique cultural touch to the mega-rally, farmers were seated on traditional wooden cots (charpais) instead of standard plastic chairs. Noting this rare sight, PM Modi quipped, "For the rest of the country, it will be a wonder to see everyone seated on charpais in a public meeting. Had the Guinness Book of World Records team been invited, this would have surely been recorded as a world record. Banaskantha has kept its rural traditions alive."

Massive Financial Boost for Farmers Prioritizing agricultural welfare, the Prime Minister released the 24th installment of the PM-KISAN scheme. More than ₹18,690 crore was transferred directly into the bank accounts of over 9.34 crore farmer families nationwide. Over 50 lakh farmers in Gujarat received ₹1,000 crore, with ₹50 crore directly reaching the farmers of Banaskantha. The agricultural budget, he noted, has increased fivefold compared to 2013-14.

Alongside agricultural funds, the PM inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth over ₹14,000 crore and flagged off two new train services.

Revolutionizing Animal Husbandry & Agriculture Highlighting the shift towards modern farming and dairy management, PM Modi outlined several key achievements:

• Wealth from Waste: Foundation stones for two new Bio-CNG plants were laid. The PM emphasized that farmers will soon earn additional income by selling cow dung and agricultural residue to produce biogas, Bio-CNG, and organic fertilizers.

• Free Cattle Vaccination: Over 150 crore free vaccines have been administered to livestock belonging to 8 crore farmers, saving them significant medical expenses.

• Rise in Milk Yield: The average milk yield per cow/buffalo has increased from under 5 liters in 2013-14 to 8 liters today, solidifying India's position as the world's top milk producer.

• IVF for Cattle: Under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, a new research center in Banaskantha will conserve indigenous breeds like Murrah and Jaffarabadi. The use of IVF technology will ensure subsequent cattle generations retain high milk-yielding and disease-resistant traits.

Reflecting on 25 Years of Service Reflecting on his political journey, PM Modi recalled taking the oath as Gujarat's Chief Minister on October 7, 2001. He recalled the severe water and electricity crisis in Banaskantha 25 years ago. "I used to tell people we need to save water and electricity. People protested, asking 'Who is Modi to tell us this?' But I fought for you, and look where we have reached today. I will reiterate today: we must continue to save water and electricity," he urged.

PM Modi will conclude his Gujarat tour on Saturday by participating in the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations at Ekta Nagar to mark the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.