VP Dhankhar Calls for Expansion: Why India Needs More Than 6,000 Agri-Startups to Thrive

New Delhi: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar recently urged entrepreneurs to take advantage of government incentives and increase the number of agricultural startups. Currently, there are around 6,000 such startups in a nation of 1.4 billion people.

Speaking at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in Coimbatore, Dhankhar stressed that this number is too low, especially since India has about 100 million farming communities. He highlighted various government initiatives, mentioning a significant budget of Rs 1 lakh crore allocated for enhancing infrastructure through Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).

"We need to shift the focus from just ensuring food security to ensuring farmers’ prosperity," he said. Farmers should expand their roles beyond just producing crops; they should engage in marketing their products effectively.

"Many farmers sell their produce at the wrong times, which can hurt their financial return," he added. He emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the strong cooperative system offered by the government.

Dhankhar also spoke about the crucial link between research and agriculture. He proposed that over 730 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) act as lively hubs for farmer education. "We must seamlessly connect research with farming to ensure farmers benefit from academic advancements," he noted.

With advancements in technology, there’s a growing trend among farmers to adopt innovative practices. A recent survey indicated that farmers who engage with KVKs report a 30% increase in yield due to better farming techniques and advice.

Bridging the gap between research and agriculture will not only empower farmers but also strengthen India’s agricultural sector, paving the way for a more prosperous future.

More about agricultural innovation can be found in reports from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research ICAR.

Source link

Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Farmer Producer Organisation, Viksit Bharat, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi