PM Modi lauds farmers for record food grain production

New Delhi [India], Feb. 26 (ANI): Lauding the farmers for their contribution to this year's food grain production, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today claimed that agriculture is vital to the Indian economy's growth. Addressing the nation in the 29th episode of his Mann Ki Baat radio programme, the Prime Minister revealed that food grain production has this year reached a new high with farmers working all year long. "Over 2,700 lakh tonnes of food grains have been produced this year. This is eight percent more than the previous record set by the farmers. Certainly an unprecedented achievement," said Prime Minister Modi, adding that farmers are focusing more on pulses in addition to traditional crops. Talking about his 'Swachh Bharat' initiative, the Prime Minister said the cleanliness drive is gaining momentum, adding that citizens have become more aware in this regard. "Recently, a toilet-pit-emptying exercise was carried out in Telangana's Warangal district. Officials demonstrated how convenient cleaning can be carried out to effectively solve the twin-toilet pit issue. It was observed that the waste collected, instead of being thrown away, can be used in the form of compost or fertilizer," said Prime Minister Modi. "A twin-pit toilet gets filled up in five years. Within six months, the waste gets decomposed and can be used as manure, since it is filled with beneficial nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. This is very beneficial for agricultural sector," he added. (ANI)