'Mann Ki Baat': PM Modi highlights how hobbies, forest conservation, new crops are creating livelihoods

New Delhi, Aug 30 (AHN) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted several inspiring examples of individuals and communities who have turned their interests, local resources and innovative farming practices into new opportunities for livelihood and economic growth.

Speaking during the 137th episode of his monthly radio programme, 'Mann Ki Baat', PM Modi said, "Sometimes a small hobby opens the door to great possibilities in life. The journey of Vesalu Puro from the Phek district of Nagaland is a case in point. Vesalu ji grew up in a farming family; she had watched her parents farm since childhood and had a deep love for flowers. In 2021, she began cultivating flowers on a small scale, driven by this very passion."

He said Vesalu gradually recognised the commercial potential of flower cultivation after noticing the steady demand for flowers during weddings, festivals and other occasions.

"Gradually, she began to see a possibility in it. She observed that there was a constant demand for flowers, whether for weddings or other festivals. Vesalu decided to take her hobby further. Along the way, she received training in scientific flower cultivation from the local Krishi Vigyan Kendra. Then she planted thousands of gladiolus bulbs on just a quarter-acre of land. In her very first attempt, over 5,000 flowers bloomed," the Prime Minister said.

According to PM Modi, the successful first harvest marked a turning point in Vesalu's journey and encouraged her to expand her flower cultivation activities.

"Flowers that once remained confined to local markets are now travelling from Nagaland to cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Vesalu Puro ji's journey demonstrates that when a passion is combined with hard work and proper guidance, it can pave the way for new possibilities," he said.

The Prime Minister then spoke about how individual initiatives can gradually inspire larger communities and bring about meaningful changes in people's lives.

"There are many people around us who initiate a small effort, and by and by, that effort transforms the lives of countless others. There is a village named 'Dhodrokusum' in the Debrigarh region of Odisha. Until a few years ago, Maithili Bhue ji from this village would visit the forest almost daily -- sometimes to gather firewood, at other times to collect Mahua flowers and Kendu leaves, or to harvest bamboo shoots and other forest produce," PM Modi said.

He said the forest had traditionally supported the needs of Maithili's family as well as several other people living in the area. However, her association with Debrigarh Eco-Tourism brought a significant change in the way she interacted with the forest.

PM Modi said forest conservation subsequently became an important source of livelihood for Maithili, while her efforts also encouraged other women in the region to participate in protecting the natural environment.

"Forest conservation now became a means of livelihood for her. Friends, this transformation in Maithili ji's life inspired other women as well. Today, more than 60 women are actively involved in forest conservation. Some have taken up the responsibility of protecting wildlife, others are engaged in developing grasslands, and some are contributing to eco-tourism activities," he said.

"Maithili-ji and these sisters from Debrigarh have demonstrated that it is possible to protect nature while also achieving prosperity in life. The efforts of all these sisters serve as a great inspiration for all of us," the Prime Minister added.

PM Modi also highlighted the growing popularity of avocados and how farmers in different parts of the country are adopting the crop to create additional sources of income.

"The avocado fruit is creating quite a buzz these days. Hardly anyone knew about this fruit in the past; both its value and demand were low, but today it is frequently seen on dining tables. It has become a preferred choice in the health and premium markets. This is also very helpful for our farmer brothers and sisters," he said.

He cited the example of Varadaraj from Kadappa in Andhra Pradesh, who had been cultivating tomatoes and bananas on his farm for several years before discovering avocado cultivation at a friend's farm.

"So far, he has produced nearly 4 tonnes of avocados. Today, he supplies them directly to local shops. The new crop, scientific advice, and direct marketing have completely transformed the earnings from his small farm," PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister also mentioned Chandrashekharan, a farmer from Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu, who began cultivating avocados on half a hectare of land and has seen his income increase as the crop fetched good prices.

"In Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, some farmer brothers and sisters have even planted avocados amidst their coffee plantations. This allows them to earn additional income alongside coffee and black pepper," he said.

"We often hear about avocado toast in city restaurants, but through this very avocado, our innovative farmers have discovered a new recipe for earning. In other words, the avocado from our own country has enhanced the taste of your toast while simultaneously boosting the farmers' income," he added.