PM Hails Farmers for Record Kharif Sowing; Calls For Self-Reliance in Toy Manufacturing, Gaming
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed the hard work of the farmers who, even during the Corona, have proven their mettle by clocking an overall 7 per cent increase in sowing of kharif crops. "The sowing of paddy has increased by approximately 10 percent, pulses close to 5 percent, coarse cereals almost 3 percent, oilseeds around 13 percent and cotton nearly 3 percent. For this I extend felicitations to the farmers of our country…I salute their perseverance," PM said in his regular 'Mann Ki Baat' monthly radio address to the nation.
In order to extend the scope and purview of being self-reliant (AatmaNirbhar), Modi called upon India to become a big hub of toy production. "Toys, not only entertain, they also build the mind and foster an intent too. For everybody it is the time to get 'vocal' for 'local toys'. Come, let us make some good quality toys for our youth. Toys should be such that in their presence childhood blooms and smiles. Let us make toys which are favourable to the environment too," Modi said while pointing out that the Global Toy Industry was pegged at more than Rs 7 lakh crore. "Such a big business but India’s share is very little in this," he said.
Staying with his call of 'vocal for local', PM Modi said that there was growing popularity of games played on smartphones and the computers, "I call upon the young talent of the country - make games in India and make games based on India too. It is also said, Let the game begin! So; let us start the game," he said.
Calling upon the countrymen to eat nutritious food and stay healthy, PM Modi spoke about the creation of an 'Agricultural Fund of India'. "It is being created, it will have complete information about the crops that are grown in each district and their related nutritional value. This fund can be of great use for all of you," Modi said.
Prime Minister Modi also called upon Indians, those who would be considering raising a pet dog, to adopt dogs of Indian breed. Modi said: "If you are planning at raising a pet dog, consider bringing home one of the Indian breeds. At a time when AatmaNirbhar Bharat is becoming a mantra of the people, how can any domain be left untouched by its influence?" PM brought the subject of Indian dogs in the backdrop of martyrdom of dogs that serve the para-military forces and the certain breed of Indian dogs being adopted, trained and inducted by the defence and para-military forces in their respective dog squads.
PM Modi, while commenting about the Teachers Day celebrations on September 5, 2020, said he was confident that the way National Education Policy will be bringing about a tectonic shift in the nation. He, however, did not comment on the ongoing issue of holding or postponing the entrance examinations — JEE and NEET — in September.
