Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi Hails ‘Vegetable Revolution’ In Odisha’s Kalahandi

Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday mentioned about Odisha’s Kalahandi, which he said is writing a new story of success despite a paucity of water and resources.

“I want to tell you about an effort in Kalahandi, Odisha – The ‘Vegetable Revolution’ where once farmers were forced to migrate; today, Golamunda block of Kalahandi has become a vegetable hub. It started with a small group of just 10 farmers. This group together established an FPO – ‘Kisan Utpad Sangh’, started using modern technology in farming, and today their FPO is doing business worth crores. Today more than 200 farmers are associated with this FPO, including 45 women farmers. This success of Kalahandi teaches us what all can be done with determination and collective effort…,” he said in the 117th Episode of Mann Ki Baat.

The PM further stated that these people are cultivating tomatoes in 200 acres and bitter gourd in 150 acres. “Now the annual turnover of this FPO has also risen to more than Rs 1.5 crore. Today, vegetables from Kalahandi are reaching not only various districts of Odisha, but also other states, and the farmers there are now learning new techniques of potato and onion cultivation,” he said.

Modi said that big changes are possible even through small beginnings. “We just need determination and team spirit,” he added.

The Prime Minister started off the episode by invoking the Constitution, saying, “it’s our guiding light”. He also highlighted the significance of the Mahakumbh to be held from January 13 in Pryagraj. He said an AI chatbot will be available for users to access information related to Kumbh, available in 11 Indian languages. “The mega religious event gives a message of unity and this time. With the help of digital navigation, people will be able to reach different ghats, temples, and akharas of sadhus in Maha Kumbh 2025. The same navigation system will also help you reach parking spaces,” he said.

Modi also hailed Raj Kapoor for his contribution to films.  “Raj Kapoor ji introduced the world to the soft power of India through films. Rafi Sahab’s voice had that magic which touched every heart. Be it devotional songs or romantic songs, sad songs, he brought every emotion alive with his voice. Akkineni Nageswara Rao Garu has taken Telugu cinema to new heights. His films presented Indian traditions and values very well. Tapan Sinha ji’s films gave a new vision to the society…”

He said that WAVES summit to be organised in India next year, is an important step in making ‘India a hub of global content creation.’