Emerging concerns of farmers cannot be put on back burner, says VP Jagdeep Dhankar in Dharwad

Dharwad: Underlining that accelerating the progress of agriculture sector is vital for robust economy, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar on Thursday stated that the emerging problems of the farmers cannot be put on the back burner.

Speaking after inaugurating the Amrut Mahotsava (75th celebration) of College of Agricultural Sciences held at Farmers' Knowledge Centre on UAS premises, he said the farm sector needs to be relieved of primary stresses, including inclement weather and unpredictable market situations.

"Distress of farmers calls for urgent national attention. Time is essence for of resolution of all issues. We want everyone to be in a synergetic mode to converge with a positive mind to find solutions," he said.

He said that the country's agro-based industries are thriving and earning huge profits. "Farmers should get equal share of profit. These industries must commit their CSR funds for the welfare of the farmers and for research in the farm sector. They must think liberally in this direction because farm produce is their lifeline and that their heartbeat is controlled by the farmer," he stressed.

He said the economical condition of the farmers should be enhanced, stating that when the farmer is economically fine, the country's economy get driven because of the spending capability of the farmers.

Advocating for direct transfer of all types of farm sector subsidies, Dhankar said that any subsidy given to the farm sector in any form be fertilsier or ortherwise, it must directly reach the farmer.

On Turmeric Board, the Vice-President hailed for setting up national turmeric board and said that affirmative interventions like these will create export markets benefitting farmers and adding value addition to their produce. "It has been aimed to double the turmeric production in next five years. The government should set up more such boards for other products too," he added.

Drawing attention towards the need of farmers to adopt technology, Dhankar said, the agricyture sector needs transformation. technology is changing rapidly but the farmer still clings to old tractor.

Institutes like ICAR should persuade farmers adopt newer technology and this will bring revolution in agriculture.

Union Minister pralhad Joshi stated that the Centre has given approval in principle for setting up X band Dopler Radar unit at UAS. This will provide accurate weather report covering 175 kms radius. The unit will be operational shortly, he said.

Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot said nano-technology and nano-fertilsier is all set to revolutionise the agriculture sector. 'We need to implement new technology to accelerate the farm sector and realise 'Viksit Rashtra".

UAS Vice-Chancellor P L Patil briefed on the R&D projects taken up by the varsity. District In-charge Minister Santosh Lad, Dr Sudesha Dhanakar (wife of vice-president) and others were present.