Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar Addresses Farmers' Distress and Calls for Introspection at CIRCOT Centenary

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed concern over the plight of farmers, despite the presence of institutions like the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). He highlighted that farmer distress and protests are detrimental to the nation's well-being. Dhankhar questioned the effectiveness of these institutions, noting their widespread presence yet unchanged farmer conditions.

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During the centenary celebrations of the Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (CIRCOT) in Mumbai, Dhankhar spoke about India's economic aspirations. He mentioned that India is poised to become the world's third-largest economy but stressed that achieving developed nation status requires a significant increase in citizens' incomes, particularly from rural areas.

Challenges and Opportunities in Agriculture

The Vice-President urged agricultural research institutes to help farmers enhance product value to boost income. He emphasised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message that dialogue is key to finding solutions. Meanwhile, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that India's prosperity hinges on its farmers, as agriculture remains the backbone of the economy.

Chouhan highlighted CIRCOT's unique role in processing mechanically picked cotton. He announced plans for a pilot plant facility in Mumbai to adapt machinery for this purpose. The goal is to establish an international centre for cotton genome research. Developing a traceability system for cotton exports is also crucial, he added.

Ensuring Affordable Cotton Seeds

Chouhan pointed out the high cost of cotton seeds sold by private companies and urged ICAR to ensure affordable quality seeds for farmers. He stressed the importance of supporting farmers so they can benefit from cotton farming and sustain their livelihoods.

The minister called for a strategic plan for CIRCOT until 2047, aiming for advancements in cotton production, processing, and related fields. Chouhan insisted on making CIRCOT a leading institution by 2047.

Efforts to improve agricultural practices and support farmers are vital for India's economic growth. Both Dhankhar and Chouhan highlighted the need for institutional contributions and strategic planning to uplift farmers and enhance agricultural productivity.