VP Dhankhar Urges Farmers to Tap Agro Industries
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has urged Indian farmers to shift from being just cultivators to becoming entrepreneurs engaged in agro-based industries. Speaking at a public forum, he emphasized the untapped potential lying beyond harvesting, pointing out that food processing, branding, and packaging offer substantial avenues for income generation.
He noted that while Indian farmers contribute immensely to the nation’s food security, they are not benefiting proportionally due to limited participation in the post-harvest value chain. “A farmer’s role must not end at harvesting,” Dhankhar said, highlighting the importance of integrating into the processing and marketing stages to gain a higher share of profits.
Agro Industries Key to Achieving ‘Viksit Bharat’
Dhankhar linked farmer prosperity to the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India), asserting that achieving this national goal requires an eightfold increase in income levels, especially among rural communities. He stated that India’s economic transformation will hinge significantly on elevating farmer income, and agro-industrial involvement is central to that strategy.
The Vice President explained that food processing industries rely entirely on farm produce and therefore offer a natural expansion path for agricultural stakeholders. He encouraged farmers to adopt entrepreneurial thinking and leverage government schemes that promote food processing, value addition, and market access.
Emphasis on Direct Subsidies and Technology in Farming
In addition to industry integration, Dhankhar stressed the importance of modernizing agriculture through technology adoption and reforming subsidy distribution. He advocated for Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) to ensure subsidies reach farmers without middlemen, thereby enhancing transparency and effectiveness.
He also called upon agricultural research institutions to prioritize development of value-added innovations that can directly benefit farmers. Emphasizing the need for farmer-centric solutions, Dhankhar reiterated that the road to a prosperous India runs through empowered, tech-savvy, and industry-engaged farmers.
His address served as a strategic reminder that agricultural transformation is not just about better crops—it’s about better profits, processes, and participation in the broader economic landscape.
