Raipur: The 38th Foundation Day celebration of Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, was graced by the presence of the Hon’ble Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar. The event witnessed the launch of ‘Sanjeevani Rice,’ symbolizing a stride towards agricultural innovation and sustainability.
In his address, the Hon’ble Vice-President expressed immense pride in being a son of a farmer, acknowledging the pivotal role farmers play as the backbone of India’s economy. He saluted their tireless contribution, emphasizing that the nation’s economy is now the 5th largest globally, with farmers playing a significant role in this achievement.
Addressing the young audience, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar urged them to contribute to the agricultural landscape’s transformation. He envisioned a future where the youth would shape agriculture, its economy, marketing strategies, and value addition to agricultural produce. The Vice-President instilled hope, optimism, and confidence in the young minds, considering them as major stakeholders in realizing the vision of ‘Bharat Viksit @2047.’
Highlighting the symbiotic relationship between a happy farmer and a content nation, the Vice-President commended the farmers’ remarkable contribution to providing food security to over 800 million people since April 2020. He encouraged the youth to become influencers, inspiring farmers and promoting their involvement in the marketing of agricultural produce.
Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar urged the sons and daughters of farmers to venture into agriculture marketing, following the example of talented individuals from top institutions like IIT and IIM who have embraced marketing in areas like milk, vegetables, and organic grains. He stressed the need for adding value to agricultural produce, a domain where the farmer’s children, trained from birth, should actively participate.
Reflecting on the changing landscape, the Vice-President praised the utilization of drone technology by farmers, acknowledging the government’s support in adopting relevant technologies. He called upon the young minds to engage in startups, form clusters, leverage cooperative mechanisms, and actively participate in warehousing to enhance the agriculture sector’s efficiency.
Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar applauded the ongoing transformation in India, giving credit to the collective efforts of the youth. He urged them to contribute to challenges such as ecology, climate change, and sustainable agriculture. Emphasizing the farmer’s role in spreading messages like water conservation, the Vice-President encouraged farmers to engage in massive plantations, embrace technological advancements, and explore new energy sources.
The launch of ‘Sanjeevani Rice’ marked a significant step towards innovation in agriculture, symbolizing the commitment to a sustainable and prosperous future for India’s farming community. The Hon’ble Vice-President’s speech resonated with the vision of a vibrant and self-reliant agricultural sector, showcasing the potential for positive change in the country’s agricultural landscape.