PM Modi was speaking in Tamil Nadu where he inaugurated several projects.
Highlights
- PM applauded Tamil Nadu farmers for "record food production", water use
- Always remember the mantra of 'Per drop, more crop", he said.
- Assembly elections are due in Tamil Nadu this year
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today applauded the farmers of Tamil Nadu for what he said were "record food production" and water use. Speaking in Chennai on Sunday, he said, "I want to appreciate the farmers of Tamil Nadu for record food grain production and good use of water resources. We have to do whatever we can do to conserve water. Always remember the mantra of 'Per drop, more crop".
The Prime Minister was in Tamil Nadu, where assembly elections are due this year, to open a series of projects including a section of the Chennai Metro Rail. "In this years' Budget, Rs 63,000 crore has been set aside for Phase II of the project. This is the largest amount earmarked for a project in any city in one go. This will help the people of Chennai," PM Modi said.
"The Chennai metro is growing rapidly... It will make everyone happy that we are launching 9-km-long stretch of metro rail, which has been completed on schedule despite Covid by Indian contractors," he said.
The coastal area of Tamil Nadu, the Prime Minister said, has been given extra focus as the "fishermen community is symbol of kindness".
"Special importance has been given in budget to develop the coastal area. Extra credit mechanism has been given in budget for fishermen, stressing on seaweed farming to improve the conditions of the fishermen community," he said, announcing that a "Seaweed park" will come up in Chennai.
PM Modi also said the government has been aiding the Tamils in Sri Lanka -- a sensitive subject for the state.
"Our government has always taken care of the welfare and aspirations of our Tamil brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka,"said PM Modi, who has been the once prime minister to visit Jaffna since the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi.
"Resources given by the government to Tamils are much more than in the past," PM Modi said. "The project includes 15,000 houses for displaced Tamils. Set up ambulance services for them, built a hospital there".