New Delhi, Jun 4 (DHNS): Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take steps to boost agriculture production and protect the interest of farmers.

Gowda, who called on Modi at latter’s 7, Race Course Road residence, held a discussion on various issues including agriculture sector, farmers’ problems and land acquisition. Modi, who has just completed a year in office, had invited Gowda for a chit-chat over a cup of tea.

Last week, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also met Modi.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Gowda said, “though the government has made strides in foreign policy and industry sector in its one year, it has lost its focus on agriculture sector. With farmers in distress due to crop loss, I suggested the PM to focus on their welfare”.

The prime minister promised that he would implement the Gujarat model in agriculture sector where farm produce increased 10 per cent every year when he was the chief minister, Gowda said.

Nice project

“Citing affairs of Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway developed by Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE), I have suggested the PM that the government should ensure that corporate houses do not make money at the cost of poor farmers", he said.

While demanding an audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of all projects under Public Private Partnership (PPP), Gowda urged the prime minister to protect the interest of farmers and pay high compensation to them while acquiring their land.