Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, during his address at the Agri-Industry Conclave in Narsinghpur, Madhya Pradesh, emphasized the need to provide direct financial support to farmers. He noted that while India offers substantial subsidies, such as on fertilizers, most of these are indirect. He suggested that if all such assistance were transferred directly to farmers’ accounts, each farmer could potentially receive Rs 35,000 annually.
He also praised schemes like PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi, which directly deposits funds into farmers’ bank accounts, urging that similar mechanisms be applied to all forms of aid. Dhankhar expressed hope that the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) would explore this through a detailed report for the benefit of farmers.
Highlighting the vital role of agriculture in India, Dhankhar stated that farming is more than just an economic activity, it is closely connected to industry, with nearly half the population depending on it.
He called for recognizing and empowering farmers as entrepreneurs or “agripreneurs,” encouraging them to lead in processing, marketing, and value addition of agricultural products. He stressed the importance of Krishi Vigyan Kendras and ICAR institutions in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship among farmers. Additionally, he suggested that industries and public representatives should adopt villages to support rural development through agro-based ventures.
In discussing national security, Dhankhar praised the bravery of the Indian Armed Forces and highlighted significant operations, such as Operation Sindoor, as strong responses to terrorism. He commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his firm stance on national security, particularly the strategic decision to stop the flow of water to Pakistan, emphasizing that India would no longer tolerate acts of terror. According to Dhankhar, these actions have earned India global recognition and reinforced the country's resolve against terrorism.
On economic progress, he highlighted India’s remarkable growth over the past decade, positioning it as the fourth-largest economy in the world, having surpassed France, the UK, and Japan. He expressed confidence that India will soon overtake Germany to become the third-largest global economy.
Praising Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s efforts in boosting livestock, dairy, and horticulture sectors, Vice President said these initiatives are paving the way for a stronger rural economy. He envisioned a future where farmers will not just be food producers but key drivers of India’s transformation into a developed nation.
Commending the unwavering spirit of Indian farmers, Dhankhar highlighted their resilience, innovation, and deep-rooted patriotism as vital strengths that will propel the country’s economic growth in the coming years.
