Kolkata, 02 March (H.S.):
Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan held a comprehensive review meeting of various institutes of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research in Kolkata. The meeting, held on Monday, focused on strengthening the jute sector, enhancing agricultural sustainability, and promoting fisheries-based rural development.
During the meeting, the Union Minister reviewed key challenges affecting the jute industry, including issues such as raw jute quality, grading systems, and water scarcity affecting farmers. He emphasized the need to develop solutions to improve grading accuracy, ensure fair prices, and increase overall productivity.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan also emphasized the need to diversify jute products and expand export opportunities. He stated that value-added jute products will help increase farmers' incomes and strengthen India's position in the global natural fiber market. He emphasized the need for an integrated approach by research institutes, industry stakeholders, and government agencies.
The Union Minister also emphasized the need to adopt effective water management practices to mitigate water stress in jute-producing areas and ensure sustainable farming. He underlined the importance of technological innovation and scientific interventions in reducing input costs and enhancing fiber quality.
The meeting also focused on promoting the fisheries sector as a major source of rural livelihoods. The Minister emphasized the need to enhance farmers' income and nutritional security through inland fisheries, sustainable aquaculture practices, and improved resource utilization.
The meeting reviewed the work of several Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) institutes and regional centers in Kolkata, including those engaged in natural fiber research, jute and allied fibers, inland fisheries, and agricultural technology dissemination. Key institutes include the National Institute of Natural Fiber Engineering and Technology, the Central Jute and Allied Fibers Research Institute, the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, and the Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute Zone V.
These institutes play a key role in the development of natural fibers, improved jute varieties, inland fisheries management, and dissemination of agricultural technologies to farmers. The Minister reiterated the Government's commitment to strengthen agricultural research, support farmers and build a sustainable rural economy through innovation, diversification and integrated growth strategies.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey
