Diversification of crops is essential in the scenario of climate change: Shri Narendra Singh Tomar

Shri Narendra Singh Tomar virtually launches ICAR-IARI Campus at Dirpai Chapori, Gogamukh, Assam

25th September, 2020, Assam

Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare virtually launches the Campus of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Dirpai Chapari, Gogamukh, Assam today.

The Union Minister highlighted the pioneer roles played by the agricultural scientists and farmers to make the country to be self-reliant in the fields of food grains and various other crops. Shri Tomar emphasized on the country’s efforts to retain its first position in best quality of pulses, oilseeds and milk production. He also stressed on the practice of climate-friendly farming to achieve the targets of doubling the farmers’ income.

Underling the various farmers’ friendly schemes being initiated by the Government of India, Shri Tomar stressed that the formation 10,000 new Farmers’ Producers’ Organizations will play a pivotal role in helping the farmers to deal with the challenges of agricultural technologies, maintaining the quality of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, getting fair prices for agricultural products. He also highlighted the various varieties developed by the Institute that are beneficial for the country.

The Union Minister urged for naming the Institute after the name of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay as a mark of respect to him on his birth ceremony. He also stressed on developing the less time and water consuming seeds. Shri Tomar accentuated that the Institute will prove beneficial for the entire North-East and will play a leading role in agricultural education and research. He emphasized that the Institute has played a pivotal role in the challenging times in the country and helped in meeting the demands of food products in sufficient manner.

The Special Guest, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Chief Minister, Government of Assam regarded the launching and starting of the Institute as a matter of pride for the whole North-East. He regarded the advancements in the traditional agricultural practices as essential to meet the challenges in the present time.

The Guest of Honor, Shri Kailash Choudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare also marked his presence during the occasion.

The Special Guest, Shri Pradan Baruah, Member of Parliament, Lakhimpur, Assam regarded the launch of the Institute’s Campus as a step towards realizing the dream of the government.

The Special Guest, Shri Ranoj Pegu, Member of Legislative Assembly (M.L.A.), Dhemaji, Assam outlined the farmers’ friendly policies and schemes of the Government of India.

Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR) regarded the ICAR-IARI as an Institute of international repute that has played pivotal roles in the arenas of agricultural technologies, education and research. He regarded the Institute’s campus being started at Dirpai Chapori, Gogamukh, Assam to be a milestone in providing world class education and research facilities to the aspirants.

Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh, Additional Secretary (DARE) & Secretary (ICAR) was also present during the occasion.

Dr. Tilak Raj Sharma, Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR proposed the vote of thanks.

(Source: ICAR-Directorate of Knowledge Management in Agriculture, New Delhi)