27 December 2023, Chandigarh: Vice President of India Mr. Jagdeep Dhankhar on Tuesday urged farmers to engage in value addition of their product and learn marketing to boost their economic status. Stating the farmers as the backbone of our economy, he mentioned Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji’s slogan ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’ as they work hard in challenging conditions to produce food for the nation.
Dhankhar was addressing farmers and scientists at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar. He said that farmers play a major role in the country’s economy and development. Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatraya, Minister of State for Agriculture Kailash Choudhary and Urban Local Bodies Minister Kamal Gupta were present.
He emphasised the need for agricultural and livestock scientists to collaborate with representatives from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and industries. Such collaborations, he stressed, could significantly improve the economic status of farmers and livestock rearers.
“Farmers should know that farming is a big trade. It is one of the biggest in the world, with things like wheat, rice, vegetables, animals, and milk all being part of it. Just like any business, farmers need to understand what people want to buy (market demand) so they can make the most money from their crops and animals. Farmers should learn good ways to sell their products, so they do not get cheated and can make a good living from their hard work”, said Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.
He stressed the need for farmers to adopt effective marketing mechanisms, ensuring they receive rightful returns for their efforts.
He praised the growing trend of IT and IIM graduates leaving high-paying corporate jobs to venture into dairy business, citing Amul as a prime example. He commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts in enhancing cooperative movements for farmers’ benefits, advocating for farmers to engage in various schemes and utilize drone technology for fertilizer and pesticide management.
Vice President concluded by mentioning that he wants the scientists at the buffalo research centre to make a list of all the farmers who came today. He is inviting them to the parliament, where he wants to chat openly with them about farming and how to make it even better.
