On July 16, 2024 Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, inaugurated the exhibition held on the occasion of the 96th ICAR Foundation and Technology Day celebrations. Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh and Union Ministers of States for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Bhagirath Choudhary, Ram Nath Thakur, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Ministry of Minority Affairs George Kurian and Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry &Dairying and Ministry of Panchayati Raj Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel also graced the event.
Addressing the gathering, Shivraj Singh Chouhan congratulated ICAR on their remarkable achievements over the past 96 years. “There are a number of marginal farmers in our country. There is a need to create model farms for small-holding farmers. Agriculture is the backbone & soul of Indian economy, and farmers are its lifeblood. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a target of doubling the income of farmers. Farmers and farming are the top priority of the Prime Minister. If agriculture is diversified, it is possible to increase the income of farmers in farming. Today we are working with this resolution,” said Chouhan.
Chauhan told the scientists that we should set targets for 4 years and after 4 years we should say that we have achieved these targets. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has resolved to make India develop by 2047, in which agriculture and agriculture-related sectors will play an important role. Work has to be done to increase production in animal husbandry, fish farming, wheat production, pulses, and oilseeds.
“The relationship between farmers and Krishi Vigyan Kendra is amazing. It is the responsibility of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra to effectively take the research to the farmer's fields. Agricultural diversification is yielding impressive results, with farmers' incomes on the rise. The Indian Agricultural Research Institute has 5,500 scientists. Forming teams of two scientists each and sending them to the Krishi Vigyan Kendra will benefit farmers, increase production, and help reduce costs through technology,” he added.
Today we should take a pledge that we will make India self-reliant in pulses and oilseeds also , the government will give full support for this. Samridhi Portal has been created for pulses. Awareness campaign has to be run for farmers. All scientists should go to the fields for one month in a year and teach the farmers. How should all agricultural universities work for the farmers. Agricultural universities , scientists and fields should be connected together. It is important to increase production but it is also important to pay attention to what effect it will have on the human body. Do research on natural farming as well. The Prime Minister has also expressed concern on how to increase the production of Shri Anna. Work on how to increase the production of Shri Anna. Also focus on developing indigenous breeds of horses and dogs among animals . There is also a need to work on how to connect it with technology. There is also a need to work in view of climate change.
Source: Krishi Jagran