Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar has called for the establishment of micro-industries in rural areas to enhance value addition to agricultural and dairy products, ultimately fostering a sustainable and self-sufficient society. Speaking as the Chief Guest at the inauguration of the Advanced Entrepreneurship Skill Development Programme (A-EDSP) on “Functional Foods, Nutraceuticals, and their Safety” at the National Agri-Food and Biomanufacturing Institute in Mohali, Dhankhar emphasized the significance of rural industrialization in revitalizing India’s agrarian economy.
The Need for Localized Value Addition
Reflecting on India’s past, the Vice President noted how villages once thrived as self-sufficient units. He pointed out that while cooperatives are now constitutionally recognized, there is still a need to establish mechanisms that empower rural communities through micro-industries. “There was a time in ancient India when a village was self-sufficient. Now, the cooperatives are embedded in the Constitution as an institution. There must be an evolution of a mechanism in a village or in a cluster of villages where we have micro industries at the farm that add value to the agro-produce, to the livestock and milk produced. This will help evolve a sustainable society and the nutritional value of food will go up, ” he remarked.
Dhankhar highlighted the untapped potential in dairy farming, stressing that despite high milk production, rural areas fail to maximize its economic benefits. “We have milk in the villages, but value addition is minimal. What stops us from having skills to get into ice creams, paneer, sweets and the like in a cluster approach? This is very important because it will generate employment. It will satisfy the rural youth,” he added.
Employment and Entrepreneurial Opportunities for Rural Youth
One of the key takeaways from the Vice President’s speech was the need to harness micro-industries for job creation. With limited employment opportunities in villages, many young people migrate to cities in search of work. Dhankhar believes that empowering villages with micro-industries will not only curb migration but also enhance rural livelihoods. “If we equip our youth with the right skills, they can build successful enterprises within their own communities, reducing the need to seek employment elsewhere,” he asserted.
Adopting Technological Advancements in Agriculture
Apart from micro-industries, the Vice President also urged farmers to embrace technological advancements in agriculture. He pointed out that many farmers continue to rely on outdated equipment, unaware of the modern alternatives available. “A farmer is by and large clinging to his tractor. He wants to use the tractor for as long as it can last, ignorant of the fact that new technology is becoming environment-friendly, multifunctional, fuel-efficient and highly subsidized. There has to be an awareness campaign,” he emphasized. He encouraged agricultural institutions and policymakers to work together in spreading awareness about innovations that could improve productivity and sustainability.
Interaction with Young Minds at IISER Mohali
Later in the day, Dhankhar visited the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Mohali, where he engaged in discussions with students and faculty members. The interaction focused on the role of research and technology in shaping the future of agriculture and entrepreneurship.
The Vice President’s emphasis on micro-industries, technological adoption, and value addition in agriculture underscores a crucial strategy for India’s rural development. By implementing these ideas, villages could transform into thriving economic hubs, ensuring prosperity for farmers and sustainable growth for the nation.