Hyderabad: Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Secretary of DARE, shared that 45 to 50 percent of India’s population still relies on agriculture for their livelihood. He emphasized that the future progress and peace of the nation will depend on the development of the agricultural sector.
He made these comments while inaugurating a two-day National Conference for Vice-Chancellors of Agricultural Universities. The event, held on Friday, was organized by ICAR, the Heartfulness Education Trust, Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University, and Dr. Reddy’s Foundation at Kanha Shanti Vanam, Hyderabad.
Dr. Pathak highlighted that agriculture in India is unique compared to other countries. He explained that farming in India is not just an economic activity, but a way of life tied to the country’s traditions, history, and culture. He noted that during India’s independence in 1947, 75 to 80 percent of the population depended on agriculture, and even today, it remains the largest employment sector, supporting 45 to 50 percent of the population. He further mentioned that India’s vision for 2047, known as the Viksit Bharat vision, is closely linked to the progress of agriculture.
Dr. Pathak also spoke about the evolution of agriculture over time. He explained how humans transitioned from being food gatherers to food hunters and eventually became food producers. He emphasized that agriculture has played a critical role in human development and will continue to do so in the future.
For agriculture to progress, Dr. Pathak stated that it must be environmentally sustainable, incorporate modern technology, and prioritize fair pricing and better marketing. He also stressed the importance of promoting women-friendly agricultural practices given the significant involvement of women in the agricultural workforce. He urged that agriculture should remain connected to the country’s cultural and traditional roots.
Daaji, the Global Guide of Sri Ramachandra Mission and Heartfulness, added that agriculture is the foundation of human survival. He encouraged more research to make plants more beneficial to humanity and called for studies on seaweeds, highlighting their potential for improving human health and nutrition. He warned that without agriculture, the sustainability of human life would be at risk.
Dr. B Neeraja Prabhakar, Vice Chancellor of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University, noted that the number of female students enrolled in agricultural, horticultural, and veterinary universities is increasing, with more than 65 percent of students now being women. She emphasized the need to educate everyone on respecting female students and suggested that this should be included in the curriculum at the degree level.
