PM Modi Urges States to Focus on Water Conservation, Organic Farming, and Investment

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the NITI Aayog Governing Council, urging states to champion water conservation and organic farming. He emphasized self-reliance and attracting investments, particularly in defence manufacturing and emerging sectors like AI. The meeting also focused on empowering youth and increasing the number of Lakhpati Didis. States expressed solidarity in navigating global challenges and sustaining India's growth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi drew attention to concerns arising from El Nino conditions at 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog and appealed to states to promote water conservation and encourage natural and organic farming practices.

He noted that the purchase of 11 lakh tonnes of organic manure by farmers during the current kharif season reflected growing confidence in sustainable agriculture.

The meeting was attended by chief ministers, Lt. Governors and administrators representing 28 States and 5 UTs, marking the first time when CMs of all 28 States participated in the Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog.

Amid growing uncertainties and global economic challenges, PM emphasized the need to further strengthen the India's resolve towards self-reliance and highlighted the importance of adopting and implementing global best practices, particularly in the renewable energy sector.

He also urged states to focus on transforming youth into a development dividend through education, skilling and capacity-building initiatives that prepare young people for future opportunities and challenges. He also called upon state governments to work towards increasing the number of Lakhpati Didis from 3 crore to 6 crore and stressed the importance of ensuring a safe and secure environment for Nari Shakti.

Referring to India’s recently concluded trade agreements with several countries, the prime minister urged states to actively attract investments from partner countries.

At the key meeting, PM Modi also identified defence manufacturing as an emerging sector where India is establishing a distinct identity and encouraged states to formulate policies to leverage the opportunities arising from its growth.

Further, he highlighted the need for coordinated efforts to address emerging social challenges such as drug abuse and cyber fraud through preventive measures, awareness campaigns and effective governance.

PM Modi urged states to focus on ease of doing business and emerging opportunities in sectors such as data centres and artificial intelligence, emphasising that AI should be viewed as an opportunity.

The states expressed solidarity with the Centre to withstand the global geopolitical crisis and to strengthen India’s resilience with respect to energy requirements, and sustain its growth trajectory.

Concluding the meeting, PM Modi noted that the "discussions were constructive and reflected the aspirations, hopes, experiences, best practices, and challenges of the states," NITI Aayog said in a statement.