Team News Riveting
Raipur, January 20
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said Bharat Viksit @2047 is not their dream but a target and India is moving fast to achieve it.
Addressing the 38th Foundation Day of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, he emphasized the pivotal role of farmers in the nation’s well-being, and said: “If our farmers are happy, then the country will be happy.” He acknowledged farming not only as a means of livelihood for farmers but also as the foundation for boosting the nation’s economy, environmental protection, and social development.”
Expressing gratitude to the Annadatas (farmers), Dhankhar highlighted the significance of incorporating modern technology in agriculture. He stated, “By adopting modern technology in the field of agriculture and providing support to the farmers, the goal of ensuring food security for the coming generations and making a developed India by 2047 can be achieved.”
The 38th Foundation Day event was presided over by Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Agriculture Minister Shri Ram Vichar Netam were present as special guests. During the occasion, Vice President Dhankhar launched three products – Sanjeevani Instant, Sanjeevani Madhu Kalk, and Sanjeevani Rice Bar – derived from the immunity booster and anti-cancer new variety of paddy ‘Sanjeevani,’ developed by Indira Gandhi Agricultural University. He also unveiled the ‘Krishi Darshika 2024,’ a publication by the university.
Vice President Dhankhar, accompanied by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam, inspected various stalls set up by Agriculture Startup, Biotech, and Krishi Vigyan Kendra on the university campus. Together, they planted saplings of the Molshree tree on the university campus.
Addressing the university students and scientists, Vice President Dhankhar stated that India is the fifth-largest economy globally and farmers have played an indispensable role in this. He also recognized the contribution of students and scientists to the field of agriculture and their role in progressively increasing the country’s economic growth. “Building a developed India by 2047 is not just a dream but our goal,” he said.
The Vice President encouraged students to play a crucial role, akin to soldiers, in achieving the development goals. He urged them to promote better marketing and value addition in agricultural products, promoting the use of drone technology in farming. Shri Dhankhar commended the rapid development of India and highlighted the potential for further acceleration with the contribution of students.
Vice President Shri Dhankhar stressed the importance of tree plantation, modern technology in farming, solar energy use, and water conservation to address climate change. Mentioning that Chhattisgarh is a tribal-dominated state rich in natural resources, he asked to ensure that the state’s residents reap the full benefits of these resources. Stating that “India is a shining star in the global economy,” he attributed this achievement to the contributions of everyone, including farmers. He added that government schemes and better policies have acted as a catalyst for this achievement.
Expressing optimism for agricultural scientists, he stated, “This is Amrit Kaal for agricultural scientists.” Dhankhar noted that agriculture is no longer confined to the production of essentials like milk, vegetables, and oilseeds. Instead, by processing agricultural products, new and improved opportunities are emerging in the field of value addition. He extended congratulations and best wishes to everyone on the Foundation Day of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University.
Governor Shri Biswabhusan Harichandan highlighted the crucial role of the youth in propelling India to a leading position globally by 2047. He mentioned the initiation of the campaign to build a developed India under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, with the ongoing Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra across the nation. He added that this is increasing awareness among people about their rights and they are getting direct benefits of various welfare schemes. Recognizing India’s largest youth population, he spoke about the immense potential of the youth to contribute significantly to the success of this campaign.
Reflecting on Chhattisgarh’s agricultural legacy that has sustained communities and enriched the local culture for generations, Governor Shri Harichandan expressed pride in the state’s rich agricultural heritage. He noted the exciting era of innovation in agri-technology currently unfolding in Chhattisgarh, with startups and agri-entrepreneurs making noteworthy progress. Governor encouraged innovators in the agricultural sector to collaborate with farmers and the government to ensure their innovations reach the public.
Governor Harichandan called upon students and agricultural scientists to engage with startups, share their knowledge with farmers, and motivate farmers to leverage the resources provided through Indira Gandhi Agricultural University’s programmes. This collaborative effort, he said, would not only enhance agricultural productivity but also make it sustainable, flexible, and inclusive. Expressing gratitude for witnessing the ‘Amrit Kaal’ of Independent India and Republic India, he praised the achievements of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University. He particularly commended the immunity booster variety of paddy, ‘Sanjeevani,’ developed by the university, anticipating its significant utility. The Governor extended congratulations and best wishes on the Foundation Day of the university.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed his commitment to enhancing the well-being of farmers in collaboration with agricultural scientists and entrepreneurs. He urged the scientists and students of the university to formulate a specialized strategy for the state’s agricultural and farmer development. Chief Minister Sai highlighted Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s unwavering focus on the agriculture sector’s progress, mentioning his consistent support for innovation, research, and entrepreneurship. The state government, in collaboration with Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, is dedicated to propelling agricultural development to new heights, he said.
Acknowledging the Agricultural University’s commendable contributions in agricultural education, research, and extension, Chief Minister Shri Sai lauded the development of over 160 crop varieties and more than 100 advanced agricultural technologies by the university. He highlighted the university’s significant role in Chhattisgarh’s agricultural development through its extensive network of agricultural colleges, research centers, and agricultural science centers spanning from Balrampur in the North to Sukma in the South.
Chief Minister stated that the Prime Minister has pledged to ensure a content and fulfilled life for the people of Chhattisgarh, extending this guarantee to every section of society. He added that just one day after assuming office, a cabinet meeting was held, leading to the approval of the construction of houses for 18 lakh beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. In line with Prime Minister Shri Modi’s commitment, the government is procuring 21 quintals of paddy per acre from farmers at the rate of Rs 3100 per quintal. While payments for the purchased paddy are currently being made based on the ongoing support price, the Chief Minister assured that the outstanding amount will soon be disbursed to the farmers.
He stated that in line with Prime Minister Modi’s commitment, on the occasion of Good Governance Day, the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the outstanding paddy bonus for two years, amounting to Rs 3716 crore, was transferred to the bank accounts of 12 lakh farmers. Furthermore, he assured that as per Modi Ji’s guarantee, the government will extend financial assistance of Rs 10,000 annually to agricultural labourers. Besides, the Mahtari Vandan Yojana for women, providing an annual sum of Rs 12,000, will be launched soon.
Chief Minister Sai encouraged students to leverage their education and skills to establish new enterprises, emphasizing the potential for self-employment and job creation. “By adopting self-employment, you can earn your own income and also provide employment to other people”, he said. He extended congratulations and best wishes to the Vice Chancellor, scientists, officers, employees, and students of the university on its Foundation Day. The event witnessed the presence of a large number of university officials, employees, scientists, and students.
