Varanasi,

26 Feb (HS): Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan called on

agricultural scientists to coordinate with farmers and expedite the delivery of

advanced technologies to their fields. He said that effective dissemination of

scientific techniques at the farm level, availability of quality seeds,

cost-reducing technologies, and direct market linkages will play a crucial role

in increasing farmers' incomes.

Union

Agriculture Minister Chauhan, who was on a visit to Varanasi on Thursday, was

addressing scientists and farmers after a review meeting at the Indian

Vegetable Research Institute. The Union Minister praised the ongoing research

and development work at the institute, initiatives related to improved

vegetable varieties, seed production, protected cultivation, organic and natural

farming, value addition and entrepreneurship development. Before the meeting,

he planted a red sandalwood tree on the research institute campus. On this

occasion, he stressed on preparing a region-wise action plan for the upcoming

Rabi season.

Union

Minister Chauhan said that in view of the challenge of climate change, more

flexibility has to be brought in the vegetable production system. Describing it

as an effective medium of coordination between Krishi Vigyan Kendras and

research institutes, he stressed on accelerating the transfer of technology to

the farmers. He said that development of improved varieties, availability of

quality seeds, dissemination of cost-reducing technologies and connecting

farmers directly with the market will play an important role in increasing

their income. The Union Minister directed the institute to accelerate the

dissemination of technologies, development of export-oriented vegetable

varieties, partnership with start-ups and FPOs and connecting the youth with

agri-entrepreneurship.

At

the review meeting, Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Director of the Indian Institute of

Vegetable Research, presented a detailed report on the institute's achievements

and its work with farmers. He emphasized the need to provide resources and

technology to farmers to promote vegetable exports. Dr. Sudhakar Pandey,

Assistant Director General of ICAR, provided a brief overview of the

institute's activities.

Chauhan

visits research-designated land: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh

Chauhan, during his visit to the research-designated land, discussed with

farmers about seed availability, quality, ways to reduce production costs, and

the use of modern technologies. Scientists gave detailed presentations on

advanced technologies such as grafted eggplant-tomato (Brimato) and

potato-tomato (Pomato). The Minister commended these efforts and emphasized the

need to make these technologies available to farmers quickly. He underscored

the utility of high-tech nurseries and emphasized the need to provide quality

seedlings and seeds through FPOs.

The

Union Minister urged scientists to focus on increasing the shelf life of

tomatoes and other vegetables, developing processable varieties,

export-oriented production, and promoting organic farming. He also inspected

the institute's developed microbial biofertilizers, biostimulants, and

biopesticide products. Dr. Sudhakar Pandey, Assistant Director General of ICAR,

and other officials were also present.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi