Mar 26:The 93rd Annual General Meeting of the ICAR Society was organized at the National Agricultural Science Centre Complex, New Delhi here today.
Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare stated that committed to the betterment of Indian Agriculture, Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has always encouraged the farmers and scientists of the country to compete at the global level. This has led to a steady increase in the export of agricultural products from India. Shri Tomar said that the Prime Minister holds regular dialogues with the people associated with the agriculture sector of the country including farmers and scientists. Ensuring the better quality of agricultural products has always been the main concern of the PM.
Delivering his presidential address, Union Minister Shri Tomar underlined the establishment of the ICAR in 1929. The pivotal role played by the Council through its research and technology development in creating the food and nutritional security in the country with the untiring cooperation of farmers and scientists over the Years was also highlighted by the Union Minister. Shri Tomar underlined the record production of the food grains and horticultural products in the country that has made us self-sufficient to meet not only the domestic demands enabled to supply the same to the different countries as well. “In terms of many agricultural products, India ranks first or second in the world and we aim to establish the quality of our products and our credibility as a trusted brand in the world”, said Shri Tomar. The Union Minister regarded the quality to be important for enabling the farmers to get fair prices for their products.
Shri Tomar stated that the hard work of the farmers, efficient research of scientists, and farmers’-friendly policies of the government have led Indian Agriculture to grow even during the challenging times of the COVID-19 Pandemic. He urged the Council to start the preparations for its Centenary celebrations (in the Year – 2029) at the national and international levels. Mentioning the Indian Natural Farming Method, he also regarded the Waste-to-Wealth as the principle of nature. Shri Tomar said that while the ICAR is making the farmers aware of the new techniques and methods, the Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare is committed to taking forward the Digital Agriculture Mission. This, he stated, will reduce the farmers’ cost of cultivation and increase the facilities.
Shri Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying urged for recognizing the local techniques of the small farmers. The encouragement of the Cheese made from Banshi Gir Cow’s Milk for export was also stressed by the Union Minister. Shri Rupala suggested the ICAR get benefitted from the upcoming 3 Events – G20 Conference, International Dairy Programme, and Jamnagar getting International recognition in Ayurveda.
Shri Kailash Choudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare urged for working in pace with the visions of the Prime Minister. He said that there is a scope for working in the field of horticulture. Mentioning a number of plants that are being imported, the Minister urged for developing their varieties in the country itself. Shri Choudhary stressed the need to make the new technologies available under the vision of encouraging the Waste-to-Wealth.
Congratulating the Union Agriculture Minister, Shri Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog stated that in the current Financial Year, India’s Agricultural exports have crossed 50 Billion Dollars. He said that there has been an increase of about 22% in a single year. He also suggested working by making a systematic strategy for promoting natural and organic farming.
Highlighting the Council’s Progress Report of the Year, Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR) underlined the development of 389 new varieties by the ICAR during the last Year. The DG mentioned the focus on Crops and Pulses Varieties. Dr. Mohapatra stated that the new research in food crops and horticultural arenas has benefited the country to a large extent.
Shri Raghavji Patel, Cabinet Minister, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cow Breeding, Government of Gujarat; Shri Virender Kanwar, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Fisheries, Government of Himachal Pradesh; Shri Tage Taki, Minister Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Horticulture & Fisheries, Government of Arunachal Pradesh were among the Guests of Honor during the occasion.
The Members of ICAR Society; Members of ICAR Governing Body along with Shri Sanjay Garg, Additional Secretary (DARE) & Secretary (ICAR); Shri Sanjiv Kumar, Financial Advisor (DARE) and Senior Officials & Scientists of ICAR were also present during the occasion.
The Ministers released the various ICAR Publications and Products during the occasion.
The distinguished Members suggested ways to enhance the agricultural sector during the occasion.
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