Jagdeep Dhankhar, Vice President of India, recently launched two initiatives supported by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in Rajasthan.
These initiatives include the inauguration of the Regional Research Centre for Groundnut Research and the Trainee Home for the Central Institute of Arid Horticulture in Bikaner.
Additionally, he laid the foundation stone for the Regional Shri Anna (Millets) Research Centre in Gudamalani, Barmer.
Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar participated in the event virtually, and other dignitaries, including Union Minister of State for Law and Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and Culture Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State for Agriculture Kailash Choudhary, regional public representatives, ICAR Director General Dr Himanshu Pathak, scientists, and farmers, were also present.
During the Bikaner event, Vice-President Lakshmi Dhankar praised the government's historic step of introducing the Women's Reservation Bill in Parliament.
He also highlighted the significance of millets and the branding potential of Bikaner's peanuts for business. The Vice President mentioned that the United Nations had declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets, emphasizing the importance of millet-based nutrition.
Vice-President Lakshmi Dhankar praised the success of India's agriculture sector, which has made the country self-sufficient in food grains and a food grain exporter.
He also acknowledged the importance of government initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, which provides free ration to over one crore people, thanks to the hard work of farmers.
The Vice President commended the technological advancement in Indian agriculture, noting that farmers are now directly connected to government support without intermediaries. He celebrated India's status as the 5th economic superpower, attributing this achievement to the hard work of farmers and laborers. He encouraged farmers to engage in agricultural research to optimize yields without incurring losses.
In Barmer, the Vice President emphasized the crucial role of farmers in the country's economy, recognizing their contributions to food security and national development. He highlighted the patriotic spirit of farmer's families and encouraged pride in India's evolving role on the global stage.
Union Agriculture Minister Tomar congratulated farmers and agricultural scientists for their contributions and expressed hope that the Regional Shri Anna Research Centre in Barmer would lead to a new agricultural revolution.
He praised India's achievements in food production, horticulture, and milk production under Prime Minister Modi's leadership. Tomar emphasized the global promotion of Indian crops like Shri Anna (millets) and the importance of processing to benefit small farmers.
The event in Rajasthan celebrated agricultural advancements, government initiatives, and the contributions of farmers and scientists in ensuring food security and economic growth. It also highlighted the importance of millets and the need for agricultural research and processing to further support farmers.
