New Delhi: Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today inaugurated the 96th Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Foundation and Technology Day. The event, held in New Delhi, was graced by several distinguished guests, including Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, and Union Ministers of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Bhagirath Chaudhary and Ram Nath Thakur. Other notable attendees included Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Minority Affairs George Kurien, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, and Secretary (Department of Agricultural Research and Education) & Director General (ICAR) Shri Himanshu Pathak.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan commenced the ceremony by planting a sapling along with agricultural scientists, officers, and employees of the institute, symbolizing the commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.
The Union Ministers and State Ministers also inaugurated an exhibition organized to celebrate the occasion, showcasing innovations and advancements in agricultural research and technology.
During the event, Union Ministers released 25 new crop varieties and dedicated several products to farmers. Vaccine kits for animals and fisheries were introduced, and various products made from crop waste were also unveiled. Additionally, distinguished scientists were felicitated, and several ICAR publications were released.
In his address, Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized the need for model farms for small-holding farmers, underscoring the importance of agriculture as the backbone of the Indian economy. He highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s goal of doubling farmers’ income and stressed the significance of diversifying agriculture to achieve this objective. Chouhan urged scientists to set and achieve specific targets over the next four years, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of making India a developed nation by 2047. He emphasized the need for practical application of scientific research to benefit farmers and called for increased connectivity between farmers, scientists, and agricultural universities.
Chouhan also pointed out that ICAR has developed 6,000 crop varieties, but there is a need to ensure these varieties reach farmers. He advocated for a closer relationship between farmers and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), urging scientists to spend time in the fields and directly engage with farmers.
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh highlighted the significant contributions of livestock and fisheries to the GDP, urging for increased focus and support to enhance their contributions further. He emphasized the importance of eradicating Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and promoting technologies like classified semen and IVF to boost livestock productivity and reduce stray animal populations. He also stressed the need to organize the dairy sector to achieve Prime Minister Modi’s goal of making India the number one milk exporter globally.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Ramnath Thakur called for improvements in grain storage systems and the development of non-toxic fertilizers. He emphasized the need for research in this direction to ensure safe and healthy food production.
Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj, Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel praised ICAR’s efforts in the fields and laboratories, highlighting the potential benefits of innovations like Nano Urea and classified semen.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Bhagirath Chaudhary stressed the importance of supporting farmers who feed the nation’s 140 crore population. He emphasized the need for digital revolution and increased productivity in oilseeds and other crops, advocating for the involvement of KVKs in public awareness campaigns.