Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan has stated that the path to a ‘Viksit Bharat’ passes through prosperous and self-reliant villages. Addressing the Atmanirbhar Hanol Mahotsav-2026 in Hanol village of Bhavnagar district today, the Minister lauded the ‘Hanol Model’ as a shining example of collective effort and innovation in rural development. Mr. Chouhan reiterated that such model villages are the cornerstone of the national vision to make India a developed nation by 2047.

 

The Minister emphasised that the Central Government’s top priority remains increasing farmers’ income by reducing production costs and ensuring fair market prices. Making a strong pitch for Natural Farming, he urged the farming community to shift away from chemical fertilisers to protect soil health and ensure human well-being.

 

The Minister also highlighted the pivotal role of Women’s Self-Help Groups in the rural economy, noting that true self-reliance is achieved when women are financially independent and lead local development initiatives. Stressing the need for water management, the Minister encouraged the villagers to continue their exemplary work in water conservation and micro-irrigation to combat climate challenges.

 

Our correspondent reports that the village has gained national attention as a model of self-reliance and rural transformation, developed through the dedicated efforts of Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, who was born in Hanol. The three-day Atma Nirbhar Hanol Mahotsav was inaugurated this morning by India’s legendary athlete, PT Usha.