PM Narendra Modi tells Patidars to invent beyond diamond, real estate

SURAT: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday asked Patidars to create empowered groups of young entrepreneurs and explore opportunities in areas other than diamond and realty and invited these groups to come up with suggestions to make changes in government policies. The PM said this in his address to business leaders while inaugurating virtually the Global Patidar Business Summit at Sarsana Exhibition Centre here.
With a smile in his face, Modi said: “Buying and selling land and engaging in construction projects are not the only work we should focus on. We have developed a diamond industry. But I want to take you all to some other areas.”
The PM suggested that the Patidar leaders create 10 to 15 empowered groups with a majority of youth members. “They can help the government to make improvements. I will meet these groups, see their presentations and provide support to make policy changes,” Modi said.
He also suggested to the Patidar community to work for the effective implementation of National Education Policy.
Drawing the attention of the Patidars to agriculture, the PM said: “We are making crores, we have developed but has our agriculture developed ? It is a major business but we are not utilising our resources. We have the ability to feed the world but we are not using our resources in the best possible way.”
Remembering Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Modi said: “After Independence, Sardar Patel had said there was no shortage of resources in India, we just need to make its valid use. We should not forget Sardar Sahab’s advice,” he said.
In the beginning of his address, Modi said, “You all know that Surat is among the fastest developing cities of the world. You all are today taking oath while in Surat. I congratulate you all.”
Modi praised the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, claiming that it not only energised existing sectors to participate in ‘Make In India’ but encouraged new sectors. “Despite challenges of the Corona period, the MSME sector is developing fast. It is creating jobs,” he said.
The PM claimed that the government is focusing on providing opportunities to people from humble background to become entrepreneurs. “Mudra Yojana is giving opportunity to start business to those who never thought of it and the dreams of creating unicorn through talent and innovation are being realised through ‘Startup India’ for which there was no way in the past,” Modi said.
Giving the example of development in the dairy sector, Modi suggested to the Patidars to focus on farming and invest in food processing. “We need to do similar development in farming and food processing. Private investment is not coming in farming. Why shouldn’t I expect from all of you, sons of farmers, this when the country has to import Rs 80,000 crore edible oil,” he added.
“We have to become Atmanirbhar in other areas, not just diamond. The concept of organic products has reached our dining table now,” suggested Modi.
He asked the business leaders to explore opportunities in cow dung-based projects and products. “Food providers can become power suppliers if farmers install solar panels on boundaries,” added Modi.
“We should develop 75 big lakes in each district that are beautiful picnic points. There is a huge demand for Ayurveda globally. We did a big summit on Ayurveda. Young entrepreneurs have come up with many innovative startup projects,” he added.
“After electricity supply was made available in rural areas for 24 hours, people could start diamond polishing units in small towns in the past. Now it is time to go to small villages to start projects,” said Modi.