By IANS,

Ahmedabad : Gujarat's progress is due to people's participation, Chief Minister Narendra Modi said in his message Wednesday on the eve of the state's 49th foundation day.

"From the beginning, I am of the opinion that progress is not possible without people's participation. Outcomes depend on public participation. Gujarat is being debated in the country, be it in construction of check dams, farm ponds or agriculture revolution. It is essential that women too participate actively in the march of progress," Modi said.

He said he understood the contribution of one and all in the development of Gujarat during the past 48 years. "Somebody has fought for Gujarat, someone laid down his life for Gujarat and someone spent his entire life for Gujarat," he said.

"If we want to forge ahead let us get inspired for the next 365 days to achieve our dreams," Modi said.

"Our phenomenal growth in agriculture is a topic of debate in the country. Earlier, even in a good monsoon year, the agriculture output never crossed the Rs.9,000 crore (Rs.90 billion) mark. Today it has crossed the Rs.34,000 crore (Rs.340 billion) mark. I want to see my farmers prosperous and they in turn ought to be open to creative ideas," Modi said.