Blurb: Narendra Modi on Saturday praised farmers for boosting development in Uttar Pradesh, while inaugurating Phase 1 of Noida International Airport and noting their role in ethanol production and economic stability

Noida

Addressing a large public gathering in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, the Prime Minister emphasized that improved connectivity through modern infrastructure would significantly enhance the agricultural economy of western Uttar Pradesh.

He stated that the expansion of connectivity in the region would strengthen food processing industries and enable local agricultural produce to access global markets more efficiently.

Modi noted that farmers have played a crucial role not only in agriculture but also in supporting India’s energy security. He expressed gratitude to them for contributing to ethanol production through sugarcane cultivation, which has helped reduce the country’s dependence on crude oil imports. According to him, ethanol blending with petrol has provided substantial economic relief, particularly during a period marked by global uncertainty.

Highlighting the scale of impact, the Prime Minister said that without the expansion of ethanol production, India would have needed to import nearly 45 million barrels of crude oil annually, equivalent to about seven billion litres. He described this as a major saving for the country and a testament to the contribution of farmers.

Modi also acknowledged the role of local farmers in enabling the airport project by providing land. He thanked them for their cooperation, stating that agriculture remains central to the region’s economy and that their support was vital in turning the project into reality.

Highlighting growth despite global challenges, Narendra Modi said key infrastructure projects in western Uttar Pradesh—including a Noida semiconductor unit, Delhi–Meerut corridor progress, Meerut Metro expansion, and Noida airport—show the government’s commitment to economic growth and regional transformation.