Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, highlighted the crucial role of the scientific community in transforming Indian agriculture during his address at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) alumni meet held at Pusa, New Delhi.
In his keynote speech, Chouhan urged scientists to prioritize the interests of small and marginal farmers, who constitute about 86% of the farming community in India. He highlighted the need for an innovative farming model that ensures sustainable livelihoods for farmers operating on less than one hectare of land.
"We must develop a roadmap that not only enhances the welfare of Indian agriculture and its farmers but also positions India as the global food basket," Chouhan stated. He stressed the importance of making India self-reliant in pulses and oilseeds and advocated for the adoption of advanced technologies to boost farmers' incomes and adapt to evolving agricultural sector.
Chouhan underscored the significance of integrating science with farming practices, emphasizing the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (Agricultural Science Centers) in this endeavor. He reiterated his commitment to improving farmers' lives and aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for the agriculture sector's advancement.
Prominent figures in the agricultural sector, including Dr. R.S. Paroda, former Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Dr. Ramesh Chand, Member of NITI Aayog, and Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of ICAR, shared their insights at the meeting.
Dr. Ramesh Chand highlighted the necessity of formulating farmer-friendly policies that enable small and marginal farmers to access the latest technologies and resources. "Our priority should be to ensure that agricultural policies are supportive and accessible to these farmers," he remarked.
Dr. R.S. Paroda called for the integration of innovation and scientific research in agriculture, advocating for the testing and implementation of new technologies in collaboration with farmers to boost yields and incomes. Dr. Himanshu Pathak highlighted the need for collective efforts from the government, scientific community, and farmers to elevate Indian agriculture.
The conference concluded with a consensus on the importance of joint efforts to enhance farmers' incomes and promote technological advancements in the agriculture sector. Participants pledged their support to foster innovation and research, aiming to make Indian agriculture self-reliant and prosperous. They emphasized increased investment in agricultural research and the introduction of new schemes to assist farmers.
During the meeting, experts and scientists unanimously pledged to collaborate in safeguarding and improving the future of Indian agriculture. They emphasized the shared responsibility of the government, scientific community, and the nation to assist farmers and advance Indian agriculture to greater success.
