‘Agriculture’ Soul of Indian Economy, Farmers ‘Backbone’: Shivraj Chouhan

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 17th July. Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the 96th Foundation and Technology Day of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) on Tuesday in New Delhi.

The event was graced by several other dignitaries, including Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, Union Ministers of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Bhagirath Chaudhary and Ram Nath Thakur, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Minority Affairs George Kurien, and Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel.

Secretary (Department of Agricultural Research and Education) & Director General (ICAR) Shri Himanshu Pathak was also present.

In his address, Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized the pivotal role of agriculture in the Indian economy, describing it as the “soul” of the nation with farmers as its backbone. He highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to make India a developed nation by 2047, underscoring the crucial contribution of agriculture and related sectors in achieving this goal.

Chouhan also spoke about the Prime Minister’s target of doubling farmers’ income, stressing the need for diversification in agriculture to increase profitability. He urged agricultural scientists to set and achieve tangible targets within the next four years, focusing on practical applications of scientific advancements to benefit farmers directly.

During the event, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, along with agricultural scientists, officers, and employees, planted a sapling to mark the occasion. The ministers also inaugurated an exhibition showcasing various innovations and advancements in agriculture.

Several significant releases were made, including 25 new crop varieties, vaccine kits for animals and fisheries, and products made from crop waste. The ministers felicitated scientists and launched several ICAR publications.

Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh highlighted the importance of livestock and fisheries, which contribute 35% to the gross domestic product. He emphasized the need for increased focus on these sectors to potentially raise their contribution to over 50%. Shri Singh pointed out that India aims to become the number one exporter of milk globally, urging efforts towards enhancing dairy exports and deep-sea fishing.

Ramnath Thakur, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, called for improvements in the storage systems for agricultural produce and the development of non-toxic fertilizers to ensure food safety.

Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, praised ICAR’s extensive work both in laboratories and fields. He emphasized the benefits of innovations like Nano Urea and the importance of classified semen to improve livestock productivity.

Bhagirath Chaudhary, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, stressed the need to support farmers who feed 140 crore people and highlighted the importance of digital revolution in agriculture. He also called for public awareness campaigns involving Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to educate farmers.

George Kurien, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, noted that India is the second-largest producer of fish in the world, underlining the country’s significant achievements in the fisheries sector.

Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary (Department of Agricultural Research and Education) & Director General (ICAR), acknowledged ICAR’s role in making India a global agricultural exporter through technological advancements.