New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday again called for ban on use of single-use plastic, during his address in Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura, where he launched a slew of development projects.

“We need to make efforts to rid our homes, offices, and workplaces of single-use plastic by October 2, 2019. I appeal to self help groups, civil society, individuals and others to join this mission,” he said.

He urged people to use cloth bags or jute bags while going for shopping and also urged traders to minimise their use of plastic.

He inaugurated ‘Swachhta Hi Seva’ Programme 2019, National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP), and  National Artificial Insemination Programme. He also launched 16 projects of Uttar Pradesh government related to livestock, tourism and road construction, among a slew of government schemes for farmers.

Hailing Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, PM said : "Yogi Adityanath fought all his life against Encephalitis and brought it to the attention of Parliament and country. However, few vested interest groups blamed his govt for deaths of children due to it but Yogi ji's spirit was not deterred and he continued his work."

With 100 per cent funding from the Centre of Rs 12,652 crore for a period of five years till 2024, NADCP aims at vaccinating over 500 Million livestock including cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats and pigs against foot and mouth disease.

The programme also aims at vaccinating 36 million female bovine calves annually in its fight against Brucellosis disease. The programme has two components - to control the diseases by 2025 and eradication by 2030.

PM Interacts With Plastic Waste Segregators; Plays With Cow, Calf

Modi also personally interacted with farmers, veterinary doctors and plastic waste segregators. Taking his pledge to phase out single-use plastic he not only launched a welfare scheme to segregate plastic from waste but also interacted with a number of waste collectors.

He in fact sat down with them to tell them the importance of segregating plastic from waste so that it doesn't end up in the stomachs of bovines.

He inspected a machine facility that will recycle waste. He also interacted with veterinary doctors on how vaccines are administered to cows and what precautions are taken.

This is part of the government's effort to double farmers' income. Modi also interacted with select farmers who have been beneficiaries of government schemes.

The Prime Minister also launched nationwide workshops in Krishi Vigyan Kendras in all 687 districts of the country with artificial insemination of livestock as one of the goals.

(inputs from agencies)