New Delhi: Defending his government's stand on Land Bill, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the farmers in his popular radio programme 'Mann ki Baat' on Sunday and said that the bill ensures welfare of farmers and villages.

Here are the LIVE updates:

PM Modi concludes his Radio address.

You have placed your trust on me. I'll make sure I'll not let you down: Modi.

Whatever you have written to me, I'll make sure my government delivers on it: Modi.

The need of the hour is to strengthen our agriculture sector and farmers. We endeavour to ensure development of the nation and agriculture: Modi.

I've communicated it to the Parliament in clear speech that if somebody feels some changes are required in the current bill then we are willing to take up such suggestions: Modi.

Our government has emphasised on health of our mother land. We have initiated Soil Health Card Scheme: Modi.

I appeal all my farmers brothers and sisters to keep away from statements that are directed to cater some political interests: Modi.

Rumours are doing the rounds that the new Bill will not give right to the farmers to approach court. This is an utter lie: Modi.

The procedure was complex, we are trying to make it simpler for the farmers: Modi.

13 amendments, which were out of the Land Bill due to which farmers were facing losses, have been included in this Bill by our government: Modi.

We are trying to remove the shortcomings for the welfare of the farmers: Modi.

Had we not brought Ordinance, the farmer would have continued to loose his land due to old law without being paid for the same: Modi

People, who sit comfortably in air conditioned rooms, have no idea about the ground reality of villages: Modi.

We thought there was a need to bring some amendments in the law, we only wish for welfare of people and villages: Modi

Land acquisition law was brought 120 years ago: Modi.

Those who are portraying themselves as farmers' well wishers and protesting against this bill have also governed under this law: Modi.

In this hour of crisis, I am with you: Modi

The recent unseasonal rains in the states north of Maharashtra have caused problems and everywhere farmers are worried. Small farmers, who toil hard to grow crops to earn livelihood for the year, have lost everything: Modi.

I assure all the farmers that I will ask all the state government and Centre to concentrate on the issues raised by you: Modi

Farmers have send me their suggestions for Mann ki Baat. They have raised the issues related to farming and lack of clean water: Modi.

When I speak to farmers, I speak to village, I speak to the residents of village, I speak to the fields and labourers: Modi.

We can only have a right to govern if we pay attention to small issues as well: Modi.

It's a pleasure for me to talk to the farmers from across the country: Modi.

PM Narendra Modi has begun addressing farmers on Mann ki Baat.

The sixth edition of the radio programme will begin at 11:00 am today.

In a series of tweets, PM Modi said: “I will have Mann ki Baat with my brothers and sisters who are farmers. I want to discuss their issues and want them to send me their suggestions on the programme.

22 मार्च को मैं अपने किसान भाईयों और बहनों के साथ मन की बात करूँगा । — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 12, 2015

Modi's address to farmers assumes significance as the agriculture community is currently a subject of debate in the context of the new Land Acquisition Bill which the government is trying hard to get passed by Parliament.

The land bill, which seeks to amend the Land Acquisition Act of 2013, has come under severe criticism from various parties, which contend that it will hurt farmers' interests.

Ahead of Modi's address today, Congress president Sonia Gandhi yesterday vowed to fight for the interest of the farmers and asked the BJP-ruled states to ensure timely compensation for those affected by unseasonal rains and hailstorm.

Seeking to strike an emotional chord with distressed farmers during a visit to the affected areas of Haryana, she termed them as "annadata" and emphasised on the need to work unitedly for providing them succour.

"Farmers are our 'annadata' (the one who feeds). Today, all of us are sad since our 'annadata' are aggrieved. Looking at the plight of farmers, I think it is the responsibility of all of us that we should unitedly work to provide them succour," she said.

In the last edition broadcast on February 22, he addressed the students ahead of their exams. The progamme focused on how to shed the examination stress and develop a positive attitude. Since its inception, the programme has generated an encouraging response from citizens across the country.

(With Agency inputs)