New Delhi, February 22 Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the success of a Kerala village in growing 570 varieties of rice in a single field and how an Odisha farmer secured additional income through better land use and water conservation in his monthly radio broadcast, "Mann Ki Baat," on Sunday.
Modi stated that the results of the country's farmers' hard work are reflected in the statistics, and India has now become the world's largest rice producer.
He said producing more than 150 million tons of rice is a significant achievement, as the country is meeting its own needs and contributing to the global food basket.
Modi emphasized that farmers are not just food providers; they are the true custodians of the earth, and people should learn from them how to transform soil into gold.
He said that many farmers are blending tradition and technology, and some are focusing not only on production but also on quality, value addition, and new markets.
He highlighted the inspiring story of a young farmer from Odisha, Hirod Patel. Until about eight years ago, Patel cultivated paddy in the traditional way with his father, Shiv Shankar Patel, but then, he began to approach farming from a new perspective.
"He built a strong mesh structure over his farm's pond, grew creeper vegetables on it, planted bananas, guavas, and coconuts around the pond, and also started fish farming in the pond," the prime minister said.
In other words, he said, traditional farming, growing vegetables and fruits, and fish cultivation have been undertaken in one place, which has led to better land use, water conservation, and additional income. "Today, farmers from far and wide come to see his model," Modi said.
In Kerala's Thrissur, there is a village where 570 varieties of rice are grown in a single field, the prime minister noted.
"This includes local varieties, herbal varieties, and even varieties imported from other states. This is not just farming; it is a massive campaign to preserve seed heritage," he said.
Modi said that agricultural products are now reaching foreign countries more easily by air, such as Nanjangud bananas from Karnataka, Mysuru betel leaves, and Indi lemons, which were exported to the Maldives.
"These products are known for their taste and quality, and have even received the GI tag. Today's farmer seeks quality, is also increasing quantity, and is making his mark," he said.
