Dhankhar pitches ‘agri-preneur’ model for nation’s growth

Bhopal: Vice president Jagdeep Dhankhar on Sunday said the nation's journey to becoming a developed nation begins in its fields, and called for transforming farmers into "agri-preneurs" through innovation, technology and supportive policies. Addressing students and faculty at Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Agricultural University in Gwalior, Dhankhar said agricultural institutions and students must shoulder the responsibility of ushering in prosperity for farmers. "Farmers should not merely be crop producers. They must be empowered to become agriculture entrepreneurs," he said. He urged that farmers should not find it necessary to sell their produce immediately and called for the promotion of post-harvest management, establishing warehouses and cold storages to help them store their produce. Dhankhar said: "We must be able to anticipate the farmers' needs even before they express their concerns."Praising PM Narendra Modi's leadership, the vice president said the central govt was working in the interest of farmers and has introduced positive policies, including integrating cooperatives into the agriculture ecosystem. Under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, financial assistance is being directly transferred to farmers' accounts.Dhankhar also paid tribute to Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia and social reformer Dattopant Thengadi, noting that it is a meaningful coincidence that the agricultural university in Gwalior is named after Rajmata and its auditorium after Thengadi Ji. He urged the students to commit themselves to the ideals of these great personalities and always prioritise national interest.The vice president lauded CM Mohan Yadav's initiatives for promoting cow protection by encouraging Gaushalas (cow shelters) across Madhya Pradesh. He also requested support from the chief minister to expand the Gaushala at the Agricultural University.Governor Mangubhai Patel highlighted the significant role agriculture has played in the development of human civilization. He noted that agriculture remains the primary source of livelihood for about 65% of India's population. With Modi's visionary approach, farmers are being empowered to make India a developed nation.He said agricultural universities must elevate their research practices to international standards and focus on food security through new technologies that account for changing climate conditions. He called upon universities to collectively promote innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture to strengthen the rural economy.Chief minister Mohan Yadav in his address on the occasion stated that agriculture and animal husbandry will transform the state's economy. Two years ago, Madhya Pradesh had 45 lakh hectares of agricultural land, which has now expanded to 55 lakh hectares. The state aims to expand this to one crore hectares. Irrigation plays a crucial role in this growth, with continuous efforts being made using water from rivers like the Narmada. He highlighted the approval of India's first river-linking project—Ken-Betwa—and subsequent clearance for the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal project, which had been pending for years. These projects will significantly improve irrigation in Bundelkhand, Chambal, and Malwa regions, reshaping Madhya Pradesh's agricultural landscape. Yadav expressed gratitude to the vice president for his visit and fondly remembered the contributions of Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia and Dattopant Thengadi to society and the nation.Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said that revolutionary work is taking place in India's agricultural sector under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also acknowledged the priority given by chief minister Yadav to irrigation, with river-linking projects like Ken-Betwa and Kali Sindh-Parvati-Chambal bearing testimony. He remarked that India is moving from the "Amrit Kaal" to the "Shatabdi Kaal," with the goal of becoming not just self-reliant but a global leader by 2047.