Vice-President Emphasizes Farmer Involvement in Marketing and Growth
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar has highlighted the importance of farmers being directly involved in marketing their produce to ensure they reap maximum benefits. Speaking at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Tuniki on Wednesday during a meeting with organic farmers, he stressed that younger generations in farming communities should actively engage in both agricultural and marketing activities.
Dhankhar urged the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), along with other research institutions and universities, to explore ways for farmers to add value to their products. He expressed concern that despite the presence of agricultural research institutes and scientists, the transformation in agriculture has been limited. After his remarks, he interacted with organic farmers and examined the products showcased during the event.
The Vice-President also recalled that December 23 was declared National Farmer’s Day in 2001 by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to honor former Prime Minister Charan Singh. He mentioned that the Union government will celebrate the silver jubilee of this occasion next year, involving 730 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), 150 ICAR institutes, universities, and other organizations. Dhankhar emphasized that government officials must ensure welfare schemes reach the farming community effectively, and he encouraged collective efforts to achieve the vision of “Viksit Bharat-2047.”
Dhankhar further pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “vocal for local” initiative draws inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s Swadeshi Movement. He expressed optimism about India soon becoming the third-largest economy and urged farmers to contribute to the nation’s growth. The event was attended by Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Minister Konda Surekha, and other dignitaries.
