Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Visits ICAR-CIPHET, Ludhiana

14 October 2025, Ludhiana

Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, visited the ICAR–Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology, Ludhiana. He was accompanied by Dr. M.L. Jat, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR); Dr. S. N. Jha, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Engineering), ICAR; and Dr. Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR.

During the visit, Shri Choudhary interacted with the scientific, technical, and administrative staff of the Institute. He lauded the pivotal role played by ICAR in advancing Indian agriculture and ensuring food security for a population of over 145 crore. Reflecting on India’s journey towards self-sufficiency, he recalled the era of food scarcity when the nation was urged to observe weekly fasts and commended the tireless efforts of farmers and scientists in transforming India into a food-secure nation.

The Minister emphasized the need for continued innovation and technology dissemination to ensure that ICAR’s research outcomes reach farmers’ fields effectively. He urged ICAR-CIPHET to strengthen its efforts in developing and promoting technologies that directly benefit small and marginal farmers, thereby enhancing their income and well-being. Shri Choudhary also acknowledged the success of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan and praised the scientists for their proactive contributions. He cautioned against external challenges posed by global competitors and encouraged collective efforts to sustain India’s agricultural growth momentum.

In his address, Dr Jat, highlighted the growing importance of ICAR-CIPHET in the current agricultural landscape. He underscored that while India has achieved remarkable progress in agricultural production, true prosperity for farmers lies in value addition and integration with market linkages. “A farmer cannot become prosperous merely through production; prosperity comes through connecting him to the market and the agri-food value chain,” he remarked.

Dr. Jat urged scientists to focus on developing farmer-centric technologies and advised that each scientist should establish direct engagement with one district to ensure meaningful outreach and measurable impact. He also called upon the institute to align its initiatives with the Government of India’s Viksit Bharat mandate and contribute to the holistic development of the agricultural sector.

Dr. Nachiket Kotwaliwale, Director, ICAR-CIPHET, presented an overview of the institute’s major achievements and ongoing research programmes. Scientists showcased several innovative technologies and value-added products developed by the institute, including a modern dal mill, mycelium-based packaging material, millet processing machinery, plastic-based portable check dams, makhana processing units, live fish transportation systems, animal housing structures, 3-D food printer, sensor network devices, vacuum fryer, and an apple-picking robot, among others.

The Minister and dignitaries also visited the institute’s modern laboratories and interacted with researchers to understand the practical applications of these innovations in improving post-harvest management and reducing agricultural losses.

The visit reaffirmed the commitment of ICAR-CIPHET to advancing research, innovation, and technology dissemination in post-harvest engineering for the benefit of Indian farmers and the nation’s agri-food sector.

(Source: ICAR–Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology, Ludhiana)