HYDERABAD, Dec 25: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized the importance of cultivating a “nation first” mentality among citizens to combat challenges from both internal and external forces that resist India’s swift advancement.
Speaking at a gathering of organic farmers in Medak district, Telangana, Dhankhar highlighted that dialogue remains the most effective avenue for addressing issues in a democratic society.
He called for an introspective evaluation of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), expressing concern that agriculture has not received the attention it deserves.
“Today, I observe farmers are troubled by various issues. If any part of society is in distress, it is essential to respond promptly and positively. In a democracy, dialogue is paramount to solving problems,” Dhankhar affirmed.
He referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s advocacy for dialogue on international platforms.
“Conflicts in the world can only be resolved through conversation,” he stated.
Dhankhar urged every Indian to uphold an “unbreakable faith in nationalism” to overcome adversities threatening the nation.
“There are strategic maneuvers at play… I see a concerning coalition of elements opposed to India’s progress,” he remarked.
He described how such forces can create narratives that evolve into legal disputes and public unrest, prompting citizens to maintain steadfast loyalty to nationalism.
“While there have been some positive changes in ICAR, we must examine its budget. With nearly 5,000 scientists and around 25,000 staff, and a budget exceeding Rs 8,000 crore, we must ask: who are we conducting this research for? Are we making a tangible difference in their lives?” he questioned.
“The time has come for these institutions to undergo self-assessment,” he added.
He called on all institutions to strive for excellence, prioritizing farmers’ welfare and education.
Dhankhar urged the government and representatives to create systems that elevate Indian farmers to global standards.
“We support farmers through the Prime Minister Kisan Samman Nidhi, which they receive three times a year. However, given the rising inflation, we must consider necessary reforms,” he noted.
He raised concerns about the efficiency of fertilizer and subsidy distribution, asking, “Are these subsidies reaching farmers effectively?”
Dhankhar proposed that agricultural institutions and Krishi Vigyan Kendras develop mechanisms to ensure subsidies reach farmers directly, underlining that India sets a global example in this area.
“It is crucial that over 100 million farmers benefit three times a year and can also access subsidies directly. Direct subsidy transfers to farmers’ accounts could promote a shift towards natural and organic farming,” he stated.
“Currently, it is troubling that the farming community is disconnected from marketing their products,” he remarked.
He suggested that farmers should take charge of their produce’s business, which could help mitigate challenges faced by the agricultural sector.
Institutions like ICAR, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and universities should actively seek ways to enable farmers to add value to their products, he stressed.
“While major industries prosper from farmers’ products, one must question why farmers’ families aren’t involved in adding value to what they grow,” he observed.
Despite positive government policies, he insisted on the necessity of concrete changes at the grassroots level.
Dhankhar urged ICAR, its affiliated institutes, universities, and KVKs to fully dedicate themselves to ensuring that the upcoming ‘Kisan Diwas’ silver jubilee is genuinely centered on farmers and rural development, contributing in meaningful and practical ways.
The Vice President also underscored the need to promote the ‘vocal for local’ initiative. (PTI)
