The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu delivered a keynote address at the 62nd convocation of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi. Commending IARI’s unparalleled contribution to ensuring food security, President Murmu praised its effective research and development endeavors in agriculture.
In her speech, President Murmu underscored the institute’s crucial role in translating agricultural research into practical solutions, with over 200 new technologies developed and numerous patents secured between 2005 and 2020. She emphasized the significance of agriculture to India’s economy, highlighting its substantial contribution to the GDP and as a livelihood source for a large population.
The President expressed satisfaction with the government’s initiatives aimed at enhancing farmers’ income, promoting innovative agricultural practices, and ensuring robust irrigation systems. Notably, the government’s efforts to increase Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for all crops demonstrate its commitment to providing income security to farmers.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by farmers, President Murmu stressed the urgent need to address issues such as poverty among farming communities and ensuring fair prices for their produce. She expressed confidence that Indian farmers will lead the nation’s journey towards development, envisioning a prosperous future for them as India progresses towards its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
President Droupadi Murmu’s address reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prioritizing agriculture and empowering farmers, highlighting the pivotal role of research institutions like ICAR-IARI in driving agricultural innovation and sustainable development in India.
