NEW DELHI, Oct. 30 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and dedicated development projects worth over Rs 14,000 crore to the nation in Banaskantha, Gujarat.

Speaking on the occasion, shortly after Navratri, he announced several initiatives for women, children, farmers and livestock rearers. He also released a fresh instalment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi to millions of small farmers across the country.

Describing farmers as one of the strongest pillars of a developed India, the Prime Minister said the government had consistently prioritised their welfare and empowerment. He noted that the national agricultural budget had increased more than fivefold compared to 2013-14.

Highlighting the impac...