Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar today met with members of the Indian Diaspora in Bali, Indonesia, as part of the Balinese & Indian Friendship Association (BIFA). Neeta Malhotra of BIFA welcomed the Minister and thanked her for meeting with them despite her hectic schedule.
Tomar led the Indian delegation to the G-20 Agriculture Minister Meeting in Bali, Indonesia, on February 28-29. In his address to fellow Indians, Tomar stated that the ecosystems for business and welfare have undergone a sea change under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. Last-mile delivery and connectivity for the welfare of the poorest of the poor, as well as the empowerment of the economically weaker sections of society through affordable housing, electricity connections, water and sanitation, and LPGs, are giving common Indians pride.
The use of technology has increased transparency and direct benefit transfers to the poor, as well as eliminated leakages and middlemen. The Minister described the agricultural sector's successes and programmes such as PM Kisan, crop insurance, organic farming, natural farming, value chain integration, farmers producer organisations, Ayushman Bharat, and others that have transformed people's lives in rural India.
Agriculture demonstrated its role as a saviour to the Indian economy by providing free food to over 800 million people during Covid-19 and after Covid under PM Garib Kalyan Yojna, he said. Tomar stated that the government is committed to the all-around modernization of rails, roads, waterways, airports, and ports for improved connectivity and business. He stated that due to Prime Minister Modi's bold and decisive leadership, India is setting the agenda on all important forums around the world. He praised the contribution of Indians as an active partner in Indonesia's development and in bringing recognition to India and assured the Government of India of its full support.
BIFA representatives thanked Tomar for his visit and meeting on the occasion. They appreciated the intensity and scale of development that is being done in India which has earned a place of pride for the Indians located in Bali and Indonesia and the favourable response they started receiving from all quarters in Indonesia due to the changed image of Indian leadership globally.
They also sought facilitation by starting a direct flight to Bali from Delhi and technical support for agriculture, especially for fresh food on the concept of farm-to-table. Prakash Chand, Consul General of India in Bali, and his colleague Lawlesh Kumar, among others, were also present on this occasion.
