New Delhi: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday stressed the urgent need to address farmers’ concerns, emphasizing that their economic security is crucial for India’s continued growth, a PIB press release stated.
Speaking at the inaugural event of the Amrut Mahotsav and Alumni Meet of the College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences in Dharwad, Dhankhar said time is of the essence in finding solutions to the challenges faced by farmers.
Dhankhar highlighted the importance of farmers sharing in the profits of agro-based industries, urging these businesses to contribute to the welfare of farmers and support agricultural research. He emphasized that a contented farmer is key to a robust economy, stating, “When the farmer is economically fine, the economy gets driven, because that’s the spending power of the farmer.” He further added that a vibrant farm sector would eliminate non-performing assets and that farmers deserve the same attention as patients in an intensive care unit.
The vice president also stressed the need to protect farmers from unpredictable market conditions and inclement weather. He advocated for direct transfer of subsidies to farmers, including fertilizer subsidies, to empower them and encourage the adoption of technology.