Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Chauhan while addressing the scientific community, urged them to help farmers understand technology to increase their production output. He was speaking with agriculture and veterinary scientists at the foundation day celebrations of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in New Delhi.
According to a press release, he said that many farmers in the country own little land, so creating model farms for them is significant. He further stated, “Work has to be done to increase production in animal husbandry, fish farming, wheat production, pulses, and oilseeds.” He added that bringing self-reliance in the production of pulses and edible oil is one of the focus areas of the government.”
On the occasion, he asked scientists to assess how many six thousand crop varieties developed by ICAR have reached the farmers. He said that unless science is used practically, the farmers won’t benefit.
The Minister suggested that Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK) should be connected to farmers. If at least two scientists are sent to 731 KVKs in the country – it will benefit the farmers.
He further stated, “Today, we should take a pledge that we will make India self-reliant in pulses and oilseeds too. The government will give full support for this.” He also suggested that scientists visit the farmers yearly to teach them about technology.
The Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Mr Rajiv Ranjan Singh was also present at the event. He addressed the media by saying, “If we pay attention to the livestock and fishery sector, it can contribute more than 50% to the GDP. We have reached the second position in the world in fisheries. Today, we export goods worth ₹63,000 crore. If we promote livestock and fisheries, there will be a lot of benefits.”
He further stated that his department is working on eradicating Mouth Disease (FMD) to free the livestock from the disease. To address this problem – proper work has to be done on classified semen and In-vitro fertilization (IVF) technology, and ICAR can work on IVF at a cheaper rate.