Shivraj Singh Chouhan, inaugurated the Annual Conference of Vice-Chancellors of Agricultural Universities and Directors of ICAR Institutes at Dr. C. Subramaniam Auditorium, NASC Complex, Pusa, New Delhi today. In his address, the union minister emphasized that the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is the pride of the nation when it comes to research and extension. He asserted that in order to attain the vision of a “Viksit Bharat”, agriculture must be advanced, and farmers must be empowered. Referring to farmers as equivalent to God, who nurture the world; he stated that they truly deserve our respect and reverence. Ensuring their welfare and securing their livelihoods is our responsibility, he added.
Chouhan urged Vice-Chancellors to participate actively in the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, along with their academic responsibilities. He stressed that the real-time implementation of the “Lab to Land” initiative is the need of the hour. Outlining a six-point strategy of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare for achieving the goals of a developed India, he listed increasing productivity, reducing the cost of production, ensuring fair prices for produce, compensating losses due to natural disasters, promoting agricultural diversification, and enhancing value addition and food processing. He also emphasized the need to promote natural and organic farming practices.
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