New Delhi, Aug. 16 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi pushed for greater self-reliance, local manufacturing of everything from fertilisers to EV batteries, and pledged to protect farmers amid trade tensions with the US, delivering his 12th straight Independence Day address on Friday. "Farmers, fishermen, cattle rearers are our top priorities", Modi said in his customary address at the Red Fort. "Modi will stand like a wall against any policy that threatens their interests. India will never compromise when it comes to protecting the farmers," he said. The agriculturists of the country made the country self-sufficient, Modi added, underscoring the fifth-largest economy's stand on not opening up the farm sector during US-India trade talks. The PM said the country needed to achieve self-sufficiency in energy, critical minerals, technology and weaponry, underscoring the need to build high quality goods even as "economic selfishness rises by the day". Linking local production with national pride, Modi said, "The yardstick of a nation to measure its self-esteem is to see to what extent it is self-reliant," Modi said. "Everybody knows, that after we gained freedom, feeding millions was a great challenge. It was my farmers who toiled to fill our silos with grains. Modi stands like a wall, won't compromise on farmers." The farm sector supports nearly half of the nation's population and agriculture accounts for nearly 18% of India's GDP, which explains the country's continued protectionism. The focus on the economy comes against the backdrop of US President Donald Trump's decision to impose a 50% tariff rate on India, much higher than its neighbours and peers, which disadvantages exports and could hurt nearly one per cent of the nation's gross domestic product, according to some analysts. "The need of the hour is to take a resolve for building a strong India ... I want our traders, shopkeepers to display boards for swadeshi (India-made) products," Modi said. Modi said that agriculture remains the cornerstone of India's development, with the country being no. 1 in milk, pulses and jute production, and no 2 in rice, wheat, cotton, fruits and vegetables. Farm exports have crossed Rs.4 lakh crore, reflecting the nation's global competitiveness, he said, adding that to further empower farmers, the government launched the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana for 100 backward farming districts, complementing ongoing support through PM-Kisan and irrigation schemes etc....