Shivraj Chouhan Emphasises Agriculture and Animal Husbandry's Importance for India's Economic Future

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasised the significance of agriculture and animal husbandry in India's economic growth. He stated that these sectors are crucial as India aims to become the world's third-largest economy. Chouhan advocated for crop diversification, highlighting the need to promote farming of fruits, flowers, medicinal plants, agroforestry, animal husbandry, beekeeping, and fisheries to boost farmers' income.

Representative image

Chouhan participated in the International Gita Festival in Kurukshetra and later engaged with scientists, sugarcane farmers, and Lakhpati Didis at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) in Karnal, Haryana. He reiterated the Prime Minister's commitment to doubling farmers' income and expressed his dedication to serving the poor and farmers.

Focus on Diversification and Technology

Chouhan stressed the importance of increasing agricultural production through quality seeds and diversification. He noted that traditional farming should be complemented by other types such as fruit, flower, medicinal farming, agroforestry, animal husbandry, beekeeping, and fisheries. "Many efforts will have to be made to increase income," he said. "Agriculture and dairy are both linked."

He praised NDRI for its contributions to agriculture and dairy sectors. Chouhan highlighted the necessity of using new technology to boost milk production. He recalled former Prime Ministers Lal Bahadur Shastri's slogan "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan," Atal Bihari Vajpayee's addition of "Jai Vigyan," and Narendra Modi's inclusion of "Jai Anusandhan," emphasising research and technology's role in progress.

Empowering Farmers and Women

Chouhan assured farmers of his support, aiming for their advancement and happiness. Reflecting on his tenure as Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, he mentioned the Ladli Lakshmi scheme for women's empowerment. Madhya Pradesh was a pioneer in granting 50% reservation to women in local body elections.

During his visit to NDRI, Chouhan observed cloned and gene-edited dairy animals. He reviewed research programmes and lauded advancements in animal cloning, gene editing, and quality germplasm dissemination to dairy farmers. He inaugurated an exhibition showcasing ICAR institutes' innovative technologies and achievements.

Encouraging Innovation and Productivity

Chouhan interacted with entrepreneurs who adopted NDRI technologies and national awardee farmers. He appreciated women-oriented self-help group members' products, particularly acknowledging Lakhpati Didis and Drone Didis for driving social change in rural areas. He noted dairying's 4.1% contribution to national GDP and urged NDRI scientists to enhance dairy animal productivity through quality germplasm development.

The Union Minister laid the foundation for a boys' hostel worth over Rs. 10 crores at NDRI and interacted with students. Speaking to reporters later, he praised ICAR-NDRI's achievements, including developing a climate-resistant wheat variety. He emphasised the need for faster progress in sectors like animal husbandry to increase farmers' income.

Chouhan commended Haryana for procuring 24 crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP), promoting crop diversification, and preventing stubble burning. "Using technology, NDRI is bringing a revolution in milk production," he stated.