Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accused opposition parties of spreading false information about potential shortages of fertiliser and cooking gas in India amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Speaking in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district on October 30, Modi claimed that these rumours were intended to incite panic and undermine the government’s credibility.
Modi assured the public that, despite international tensions and rising prices, the government has maintained a steady supply of fertilisers. He highlighted the subsidies provided to Indian farmers, noting that a bag of urea, which costs about ₹3,000 in the international market, is available to them for less than ₹300. Similarly, DAP fertiliser, priced at approximately ₹5,000 internationally, remains accessible to farmers at ₹1,350 per bag. Modi stressed that the government is absorbing the additional financial burden to shield farmers from global price hikes.
During the event, the Prime Minister also released the 24th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, which offers ₹6,000 annually in direct income support to eligible farmers. Modi claimed that government policies have benefited or saved farmers more than ₹50 lakh crore in recent years, citing initiatives such as minimum support prices, crop insurance, solar-powered irrigation, and soil health improvement.
Modi further noted that wheat and paddy farmers have received around ₹24 lakh crore through the Minimum Support Price system over the past 12 years and more than ₹2 lakh crore in compensation under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. He emphasized the government’s efforts to enhance farmers’ income and strengthen rural livelihoods through improvements in dairy production, fisheries, honey production, and agricultural technology.
In addition, Modi inaugurated the 127-acre Bharat Bovine Breeding and Research Centre in Bhildi, dedicated to research and development of the indigenous Kankrej cattle breed. He highlighted the importance of diversifying income sources through dairy farming, biogas, and bio-CNG production, including the use of cattle waste.
Reflecting on his 25 years in public service, Modi credited the people of Gujarat for allowing him to serve the state and the country. He is set to participate in events celebrating Rashtriya Ekta Diwas on October 31, marking the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.