NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said India will never compromise the interests of its farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers, asserting that he is ready to pay any price.
“For us, farmers’ interest is the foremost priority. India will never compromise the interests of farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers. I believe, personally, I will have to pay the price, and I am ready for that,” the PM said.
He said: “Raising the income of farmers, reducing the cost in agriculture and creating new avenues for income generation are our goals and we are constantly working towards these goals.”
Addressing a three-day global conference to mark the birth centenary of late agri-scientist MS Swaminathan, Modi, in his first remarks after Trump penalised India for buying Russian oil, said he was aware of the personal cost he would have to pay for standing up for the farmers and was ready to pay it.
The US has announced a further increase in tariff on Indian goods, including agricultural products, to 50 per cent.
Modi also released a commemorative coin and stamp in honour of the legendary scientist.
Swaminathan was a renowned Indian geneticist and agricultural scientist, famously known as the ‘Father of the Green Revolution’ in India for his pivotal role in transforming Indian agriculture during the 1960s by introducing high-yielding wheat varieties and modern farming techniques. His work significantly increased food production and alleviated poverty among farmers in India.
Swaminathan was born on August 7, 1925, in Kumbakonam and passed away on September 28, 2023, in Chennai, at the age of 98.