PM Modi attacks opponents over fertiliser rumours, says government shielded farmers from price rise

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday accused political opponents of spreading rumours about fertiliser and cooking gas shortages amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, claiming that attempts were being made to create panic and defame the government. Addressing farmers in Gujarat, he said the Centre had ensured that rising international fertiliser prices did not translate into a higher financial burden for cultivators.

Modi made the remarks while laying the foundation stones for development projects worth over Rs 14,000 crore and releasing the 24th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. He is on a two-day visit to his home state.

Modi cites fertiliser prices, says Centre absorbed additional costs

Addressing a gathering of farmers after a roadshow in Banaskantha, Modi said tensions in the Gulf continued but the government had protected farmers from the impact of rising global prices.

He said a bag of urea costs around Rs 3,000 in the international market, while Indian farmers get it for less than Rs 300. Similarly, DAP, which costs around Rs 5,000 per bag internationally, continues to be available to Indian farmers at Rs 1,350.

The Prime Minister accused his political opponents of wanting to see the country in difficulty.

“But some people do not like this. These are the people who want to see the country in crisis. They feel happy when they see the country in crisis,” he said.

He added that farmers had received or saved more than Rs 50 lakh crore through various government initiatives in recent years, including nearly Rs 4.5 lakh crore transferred directly to small farmers through PM-KISAN.

PM highlights MSP, crop insurance and agricultural schemes

Modi also targeted previous governments over their handling of the Minimum Support Price (MSP), claiming that his government had fulfilled its promises to farmers.

“But our government has fulfilled its promise on MSP. Over the past 12 years, wheat and paddy farmers have received Rs 24 lakh crore through MSP,” he said.

He added that farmers had received more than Rs 2 lakh crore in compensation under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana over the past 10-12 years.

Highlighting other initiatives, Modi said 1.2 million solar pumps had been provided to farmers, while more than 260 million soil health cards had been issued. Nearly 3,000 new seed varieties had also been introduced to address climate-related challenges.

Dairy, fisheries and infrastructure projects in focus

The Prime Minister highlighted growth in dairy and fisheries, saying India's seafood production had more than doubled. He also referred to the Sweet Revolution, under which honey production had doubled in the last 12 years.

Modi inaugurated a 127-acre Bharat Bovine Breeding and Research Centre at Bhildi, the country's first Centre of Excellence for the indigenous Kankrej cattle breed.

Other projects included metro extensions, road widening and Anganwadi centres. He also recalled completing 25 years in public life since taking oath as Gujarat Chief Minister in October 2001.

Modi is scheduled to attend programmes linked to Rashtriya Ekta Diwas on October 31, marking the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.