Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, while emphasizing direct aid to farmers, said today, “There will be a real uplift in farmers’ income when every form of assistance reaches them directly. In the United States, the income of a farmer's family is higher than that of an average household.
One key reason for this is that farmers receive direct government support. In our country, there is a large subsidy on fertilizers, and many other significant subsidies too but these are indirect. If all of these are given directly to farmers, my estimate is that each farmer would receive at least ₹35,000 annually.
I believe that the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) will take note of this and release a comprehensive paper so that farmers can benefit to the fullest… The government is supporting farmers in every possible way the PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi is directly deposited in farmers’ accounts.
Now, it’s important that all other aids also be deposited directly into their accounts, because this would be immensely beneficial.” “I want to proclaim from my heart today for everyone agriculture is not just an economic sector.
It has deep ties with industry, and the Hon’ble Chief Minister has taken this initiative. Half of our population is dependent on agriculture,” he said. Praising the valor of the Indian Armed Forces in his address following the inauguration of the ‘Agri-Industry Conclave’ in Narsinghpur, Madhya Pradesh, he said, “Today’s India believes that… the bravery of our armed forces has made every Indian hold their head high.
We proudly say we are Indians, India has changed, and India will no longer tolerate terrorism. What hadn’t happened in 70 years, was done through a bold decision by India’s Prime Minister he stopped Pakistan’s water and declared that blood and water cannot flow together.
This is a powerful message. The dignity of those who lost their loved ones was protected.” Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said, “Today, the entire nation is filled with patriotic spirit, united against terrorism.
Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, India responded to Pahalgam through Operation Sindoor. The world has acknowledged this response. Never before in world history has a Prime Minister sent such a strong message from Bihar to the globe, stating that those who erase sindoor (symbol of marital dignity) have no right to live on Earth.
India’s strikes deep within the international border in Bahawalpur, Muridke on the bases of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba were precise and devastating. No one is asking for proof. No one. Because when the coffins [of terrorists] were accompanied by their army, their leaders , and the terrorists.
India does not need to provide proof. Those who were hurt have already shown the world the evidence. The resolve of India’s Prime Minister is like that of an iron man. Now, every citizen is filled with national pride and dedicated to the national interest.”
Highlighting the economic progress of the last decade, Shri Dhankhar said, “In the past decade, India has made a significant economic leap. We were in a very weak position globally. But there is great news today, India has become the fourth-largest economy in the world.
Whom have we surpassed? We’ve overtaken France, England, and Japan. Who’s next? Germany and very soon, India will become the third-largest global superpower. You can see how infrastructure is rapidly expanding across the country.”
Emphasizing the need to promote *agri-entrepreneurship*, he said, “Farmers must emerge as entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector. Our farmers must define what entrepreneurship means. I call them ‘agripreneurs’ we need millions of agripreneurs in the country who will take the lead in marketing agricultural products, adding value to agri-produce, and leading in dairy, vegetable, and fruit production.
It is heartening to see that society is now standing with the farmer. There are 730 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (Agricultural Science Centers) in the country and many institutions under ICAR all of which are now alert and active.
I am pleased to say that the direction I highlighted in Mumbai is now becoming a ground reality… Industries that use agricultural produce and run factories it would be excellent if such agro-based industries, Members of Parliament, MLAs, and prominent NGOs adopt villages and commit to transforming them.
Promote agri-entrepreneurs, agripreneurs, and farmer-entrepreneurs within those villages. This will also benefit them, as the foundation of their economic prosperity lies with the farmer. So the farmer’s participation is natural and necessary.”
Praising the initiatives taken by Chief Minister Shri Mohan Yadav in the area of livestock promotion, Shri Dhankhar said, “The steps taken by the Chief Minister, especially in the areas of dairy, livestock, vegetables, and fruits we must aim to lead the world in these sectors.
The day is not far when farmers will go beyond just milk beyond curd, buttermilk, and even ice cream or rasgullas. New technologies will emerge. And I can confidently say India’s farmers never lack in patriotism.
Despite hardships, despite adverse conditions even when delayed rains test them the farmer does not give up. If farmers are encouraged to venture into industry and commerce, the goal of making India a developed nation can be achieved even before 2047.”