President Droupadi Murmu on Friday expressed confidence that farmers will play a pivotal role in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.
”We will have to move forward with greater urgency in ensuring that farmers get the right price for their produce and move from a life of poverty to prosperity,” she said addressing the 62nd convocation of the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi.
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The President said the nation is aware of the problems related to farmers and agriculture. ”Many of our farmer brothers and sisters are still living in poverty,” she lamented.
The President said that a large population in India earns livelihood from agriculture. Agriculture also contributes significantly to India’s GDP. Therefore, it is extremely important to ensure that this base of the country’s economy grows as much as possible and that there is no hindrance in it.
She was happy to note that the government is working to increase the income of farmers, promote new agricultural methods and provide a smooth irrigation system. The government has significantly increased the MSP for all crops to provide income security to the farmers.
The President said the IARI has made an unparalleled contribution in achieving food security by India. This institute has not only efficiently carried out research and development work related to agriculture but has also ensured that such research reaches on the ground.
She was happy to note that this institute has developed more than 200 new technologies. Between 2005 and 2020, IARI has developed more than 100 varieties and has more than 100 patents in its name.