Dhankhar Urges Focus on Farmers' Economic Security and Technology Adoption in Agriculture
16 Jan 2025 9:17 PM IST
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar called for immediate attention to farmers' economic security and the adoption of technology in agriculture during his address at the Amrut Mahotsav. (Phoot: By Arrangement)
Dharwad: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar called for immediate attention to farmers' economic security and the adoption of technology in agriculture during his address at the Amrut Mahotsav and Alumni Meet at the College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences in Dharwad.
“Distress of farmers calls for urgent national attention. Farmers need economic security. We cannot afford in this nation, that is rising and the rise is unstoppable and the rise is as never before, to put concerns of farmers on the back burner. Time is the essence of the resolution of all issues. But I would say time is of absolute essence when it comes to finding resolution of farmers' problems. The government is working. We want everyone to be in synergetic mode, to converge with a positive mind to find solutions,” he said.
The Vice President also stressed on the need to adopt technology.
“The farm sector needs transformation. Transformation is continual. Technology is changing fast. But the farmer still clings to the old tractor. Tractor is one area in which government subsidy is the highest. The farmer must adopt technology. Should be persuaded to adopt technology. And for that, Krishi Vigyan Kendras must be the nerve center. Every Krishi Vigyan Kendras normally caters to 50,000 farmers. Just imagine if those 50,000 are actually connected to the Krishi Vigyan Kendras. There will be a positive revolution in agriculture for the farm sector,” he said.
The Vice President emphasized the imperative need for agricultural reform, stating that the country is evolving every day and undergoing a paradigm shift.
“Much is being done. But Indian Council of Agriculture Research and Institutions like yours will have to be now farmer-centric. Every scientific development must correlate to the ground realization. The impact must be felt on the ground. Indian Council of Agricultural Research has unparalleled reach. That reach must be reflected on the ground, that reach must resonate in the ears of every farmer,” he added.
Dhankhar said that when farmers are economically secure, they play a crucial role in driving the economy through their spending power. A farmer's expenditure naturally stimulates economic activity, creating a positive ripple effect. A vibrant and well-supported agricultural sector would eliminate the issue of non-performing assets in the farming industry.
He stated that the need to address farmers' concerns should be addressed with the same urgency and care as treating a patient in an ICU. Just as a fully recovered ICU patient can achieve remarkable outcomes, a thriving farming sector can significantly contribute to the nation’s growth and development.
Praising the government for the creation of the Turmeric Board, the Vice President expressed his happiness upon hearing the announcement from Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. He described the establishment of the National Turmeric Board as a significant step for the turmeric industry.
“The production will be doubled in five years. Interventions will be there in an affirmative stance to generate export market. Farmers will benefit. Farmers will add value to that also. The Government of India has given a healing touch to Turmeric by creating turmeric board,” he said and strongly urged the government to consider establishing similar boards for other agricultural products, ensuring value addition and special attention to each agro-produce.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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