Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, today launched the 100th anniversary celebrations of the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal (Haryana). Speaking on the occasion, Tomar stated that India ranks first in the world in terms of most agricultural products, and that maintaining product quality is even more important in this situation.
"India is also at the top of the world in terms of milk production, but we must continue to work hard." Farmers' labour and scientists' research have made unprecedented contributions to this monumental achievement. Our country now has access to a wide range of resources and scientific knowledge. In such a case, progress should be made quickly, a target of ten years should be set and problems should be solved continuously,” he said.
Addressing the faculty, employees, students, and farmers in the NDRI auditorium, the Chief Guest, Union Minister Tomar, stated that in the field of agriculture, not only crops, but also animal husbandry, which has been a part of our culture, will have to be looked at with equal importance.
"The importance of animal husbandry research is equal to that of agriculture, which is why the NDRI was established." "Just as our scientists conducting agricultural research have done their best, so have scientists conducting animal husbandry research, which has benefited the country today," he said.
According to Tomar, on the occasion of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dedicated programmes for the welfare of the people, one example being the Amrit Sarovar (pond).
"On the Prime Minister's request, 75-75 Amrit Sarovars are being built in each district of the country." Similarly, Modi publicized the importance of Yoga throughout the world, and as a result, the International Yoga Day was established every 21st June, and this year 75 Union Ministers celebrated Yoga Day at 75 landmark sites in our country with spiritual and historical significance," he said.
According to Tomar, the NDRI, which was founded in 1923, has become a leading institution in teaching, research, and extension education. He stated that the NDRI is a one-of-a-kind institution because of its numerous accomplishments. Tomar urged the ICAR to provide full cooperation during NDRI's centennial year. He stated that in its hundredth year, the NDRI should adopt 100 villages throughout the country and develop animal husbandry and that these villages will then spread it to neighbouring villages.
Tomar used the occasion to unveil books about the NDRI's accomplishments as well as the centennial logo. He also recognized the top performers in the Research Division, Support Section, Administration, and Finance Section. Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary of DARE and Director General of ICAR, virtually joined the programme and congratulated the NDRI team. Dr. MS Chauhan, Director of NDRI, and other senior officers, students, and farmers attended the event.
Earlier, Tomar and other dignitaries planted saplings and officially opened the Oxygen Park. He also paid visits to the Livestock Research Centre, Animal Biotechnology Center, and Referral Laboratory, and inaugurated the Centenary Commemorative Pillar commemorating the Institute's 100th anniversary.
