MFOI Awards Instill Faith in People to Take Up Agriculture as a Profitable Business, Says Prof. Ramesh Chand

Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member of NITI Aayog, graced the Millionaire Farmer of India (MFOI) Awards 2024, which commenced on December 1, 2024, at the iconic IARI Grounds, Pusa, New Delhi. The event, organized by Krishi Jagran, co-hosted by ICAR, and sponsored by Mahindra Tractors, celebrates the achievements of progressive farmers and fosters innovation in agriculture.

In his inspiring speech, Prof. Chand addressed the evolving agricultural landscape, stating, “Every industry has both positive and negative sides, and agriculture is no different.” He acknowledged the transformative shifts in the sector, emphasizing that while agriculture was once central to livelihoods, it now operates alongside diverse job opportunities.

Praising Krishi Jagran, Prof. Chand highlighted the government’s efforts to mitigate agricultural risks through initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and advancements in technology offering precise results and improved efficiency. He further emphasized, “MFOI Awards Instill Faith in People to Take Up Agriculture as a Profitable Business.”

Prof. Chand underscored the need for a balanced approach to addressing agriculture’s challenges. He commended the government’s long-standing policies, such as maintaining urea prices for over 25 years and boosting investments in irrigation and agricultural infrastructure. He also pointed out India’s unique small landholding structure, emphasizing its impact on production, market scales, and overall efficiency compared to other countries.

Prof. Ramesh Chand urged farmers to diversify beyond traditional crops into horticulture and animal husbandry, emphasizing that such practices enhance profitability and resilience. Expanding into high-value crops, fruits, vegetables, and livestock can boost income while fostering a sustainable agricultural ecosystem. He stressed that agriculture, though often undervalued in India, has the potential to drive economic growth, job creation, and rural development, offering new opportunities for farmers in a complex agricultural landscape.

The MFOI Awards serve as a beacon of innovation, uniting global agricultural leaders, pioneering farmers, and influential leaders. With a focus on sustainability and advanced technologies, the three-day event offers a transformative platform to reshape the future of farming through collaboration and shared insights.

Prof. Chand’s speech resonated with the event’s theme, inspiring participants to envision agriculture not just as a livelihood but as a thriving career and engine of growth.