Ministers discussed ways to improve the agri sector and the role being played by ICAR
The 93rd Annual General Meeting of the ICAR Society was recently organised at the National Agricultural Science Centre Complex, New Delhi.
Delivering his presidential address, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar underlined the establishment of the ICAR in 1929. The pivotal role played by the Council through its research and technology development in creating the food and nutritional security in the country with the untiring cooperation of farmers and scientists over the years was also highlighted by the minister. Tomar underlined the record production of the food grains and horticultural products in the country that has made us self-sufficient to meet not only the domestic demands enabled to supply the same to the different countries as well.
Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying urged for recognising the local techniques of the small farmers. The encouragement of the cheese made from Banshi Gir Cow’s Milk for export was also stressed by the Union Minister. Rupala suggested the ICAR get benefitted from the upcoming three events – G20 Conference, International Dairy Programme and Jamnagar getting International recognition in Ayurveda.
Kailash Choudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare urged for working in pace with the visions of the Prime Minister. He said that there is a scope for working in the field of horticulture. Mentioning a number of plants that are being imported, the minister urged for developing their varieties in the country itself.
Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog stated that in the current Financial Year, India’s Agricultural exports have crossed $50 billion. He said that there has been an increase of about 22 per cent in a single Year.
Dr Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR) underlined the development of 389 new varieties by the ICAR during the last Year. The DG mentioned the focus on crops and pulses varieties. Dr Mohapatra stated that the new research in food crops and horticultural arenas have benefited the country to a large extent.
Raghavji Patel, Cabinet Minister, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cow Breeding, Government of Gujarat; Virender Kanwar, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Fisheries, Government of Himachal Pradesh; Tage Taki, Minister Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Horticulture & Fisheries, Government of Arunachal Pradesh were among the Guests of Honor during the occasion.
The Members of ICAR Society; Members of ICAR Governing Body along with Sanjay Garg, Additional Secretary (DARE) & Secretary (ICAR); Sanjiv Kumar, Financial Advisor (DARE) and Senior Officials & Scientists of ICAR were also present during the occasion.
The ministers released the various ICAR Publications and Products during the occasion.
