New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasised the need for creating 'digital villages' as part of developing the rural sector and ensuring empowerment of farmers.
He suggested that at least 500 villages should be made 'less cash' per year as part of realising the dream of 'digital villages'. Underlining the importance of empowering the farmers in the villages, Modi said it was essential for the balanced development of the country.
"Today, there is a need to feel proud of our villages," he said, suggesting that events should be held annually in villages in which those who have migrated to urban areas can participate and reconnect with their roots.
"For the development of the nation, prosperity of farmers is essential. ....The 'annadatas' of the nation should be free from worries," he said.
"Without an empowered farmer, the dream of 'New India' will remain unfulfilled," he said addressing the Golden Jubilee and Foundation Day celebrations of Pune-based Bharatiya Agro Industries Foundation via video conferencing.
Talking about the concept of digital villages, he said the government is connecting all Panchayats through optical fibre.
"But there is a need to make the villagers capable to use the technology," he said, adding that all the expenses related to health and education may be conducted digitally.
He called for revolution in the fishery, honeybee and water sectors to boost farm income while saying that the government's policy is focusing on reducing input cost.
Noting that the government is working towards doubling farmers' income by 2022, he said. "The focus of all agri- policies has been shifted from production-centric to income- centric."
The government is with the farmers, right from sowing till marketing of agri-products, he added.
Highlighting steps taken in the agri-sector, Modi said the government is encouraging organic farming and crop diversification while it has distributed over 9 crore soil health cards and linked over 500 mandis with e-NAM (electronic national agricutlure market).