India hits historic food grain production record of 357 mn tonnes, 100 MT jump in 10 years: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his 128th Episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address today, said the country has also achieved a major milestone in the agricultural sector as it has set a historic record with food grain production of 357 million tonnes. Compared to 10 years ago, he said, India's food grain production has increased by 100 million tonnes.

Speaking about India's achievements in the world of sports, the PM said just a few days ago, India was declared the host of the Commonwealth Games. "These achievements belong to the country; to her citizens. And 'Mann Ki Baat' is an excellent platform to celebrate such achievements of the people of the country; to bring to the fore the collective efforts of the people to the public."

The PM said this month began with the Indian women's team winning the ICC Women's World Cup. But even after that, more action has been seen on the field. "Just a few days ago, the Deaf Olympics were held in Tokyo, where India won 20 medals, giving its best performance till date. Our women players also created history by winning the Kabaddi World Cup."

He said that India's players also performed brilliantly in the World Boxing Cup Finals, where they won 20 medals. "Friends, what's being discussed even more is our women's team winning the Blind Cricket World Cup. The remarkable thing is that our team won this tournament without losing a single match. Just two days ago, I met this team at the Prime Minister's residence. This victory is one of the greatest victories in our sports history, which will continue to inspire every Indian."

Talking about India's Chandrayaan-3  success, the PM said when Chandrayaan-3 landed, it was not just the success of a mission but the success of the new confidence built after coming out of failure. "Every time I see the dedication of our youth and the spirit of commitment of our scientists, my heart fills up with enthusiasm. This very dedication of the youth is one of the greatest strengths of Viksit Bharat."

He said today, India is setting new records in honey production. He said 11 years ago, honey production in the country was 76 thousand metric tons, which has now increased to more than 1.5 lakh metric tons. "Honey exports have also risen more than threefold during the last few years. Under the Honey Mission program, Khadi Gramodyog has also distributed more than 2.25 lakh bee-boxes amongst the people. This has provided new employment opportunities to thousands of people…that is, the sweetness of the honey is increasing in myriad corners of the country. And this sweetness is also increasing the income of the farmers."

Talking about India's strengthening security eco-system, he said last week, INS 'Mahe' was inducted into the Indian Navy in Mumbai, and that its indigenous design was widely discussed among some. At the same time, he said, people in Puducherry and the Malabar Coast were delighted by its name itself, as it is named 'Mahe' after the place Mahe, which has a rich historical heritage. "Many in Kerala and Tamil Nadu noted that the warship's crest resembles the traditional flexible sword of Urumi and Kalaripayattu. It is a matter of pride for all of us that our Navy is rapidly moving towards self-reliance. We will also be celebrating Navy Day on the 4th of December. This occasion is a special day to honour the indomitable courage and valour of our soldiers."

For those interested in Navy-related tourism, he said, there are many places in India where they can learn a lot. "Diu, a district near Somnath in Gujarat, is located on the western coast of the country. Diu houses the 'Khukhri Memorial and Museum' dedicated to 'INS Khukri'. Goa, which houses the 'Naval Aviation Museum,' a unique museum of its kind in Asia. INS Dronacharya in Fort Kochi houses the 'Indian Naval Maritime Museum.' Here, one can observe the maritime history of our country and the evolution of the Indian Navy."

He also talked about the 'Samudrika - Naval Marine Museum' in Srivijayapuram, formerly known as Port Blair, which is known for showcasing the rich history of the region. The Warship Museum on Rabindranath Tagore Beach in Karwar houses replicas of missiles and weapons, he said, adding that Visakhapatnam also has a submarine, helicopter, and aircraft museum associated with the Indian Navy. "I urge all of you, especially those interested in military history, to make it a point to visit these museums."