“We will not have food grains to fill our stomachs if farmers do not work in the fields, even if we have money. Farmers should be treated with respect because our agriculture sector is vital to 140 million Indians.” Tomar made the remarks on February 28 as the keynote speaker at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University's Third Convocation (Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar).
Tomar stated that due to the importance of agriculture in the country, the government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has prioritized this sector. Prior to 2014, the Agriculture budget was around 25,000 crores, whereas the Agriculture budget under the Modi government is now Rs. 1,25,000 crores. Agriculture is being developed through the use of technology. Concrete steps are being taken to improve the financial situation of the country's 86 percent of small farmers.
The Central Government is establishing 10,000 new FPOs, with a budget of Rs 6,865 crore. As technology advances, educated youth will have more opportunities for employment in the villages; with an increase in employment in the villages, the Agriculture sector will emerge as a stronger pillar of the country's strength. Tomar stated that the agriculture sector is full of challenges, but the government is optimistic about the future.
The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana was implemented to compensate farmers for their losses, and claims worth Rs. 1.30 lakh crore were paid as claims in comparison to the farmers premium of Rs. 25,000 crores.
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme has been implemented to provide income support to small farmers, with Rs. 6,000 distributed annually in three installments with complete transparency, directly into farmers' bank accounts. More than Rs. 2.40 lakh crore has been distributed to farmers so far.
According to Tomar, India has today become a country that supplies the world due to the hard work of farmers, the efficiency of scientists, and Prime Minister Modi's visionary policies. The entire world is astounded by the government's determination, technology, and positive thinking as it moves forward under the efficient leadership of the Prime Minister.
“More than 100 countries around the world look to India for assistance when it is needed; we must accept this challenge and work. It is our responsibility to meet the needs of the country while keeping in mind the expectations of the world; we must start planning for the needs of 2050 now. To attract the next generation to the traditional field of agriculture, timely changes are required. Crop diversification and new techniques will be required. India's achievements in various fields, including cashless transactions, have today captivated the entire world. We are also ahead in agricultural product production. We also play an important role in animal husbandry and Fisheries & Beekeeping,” Tomar added.
He further said that while some countries do not want to praise us, they cannot help but believe that India will emerge as the fastest growing economy in the coming years. During the 'Amritkaal,' our speed should increase over the next 25 years. Given the world's political conditions, we must develop ourselves in such a way that when we celebrate the centenary of the country's independence, we will be classified as a developed country. This will necessitate the strengthening of villages and farmers.
Degrees were conferred on 635 students, including 260 females, at the convocation. Purva Sharan, a Fisheries College student, received the Visitor's Gold Medal for achieving the highest grades. Rinto Nandi of Tirhut Agricultural College, Dholi, was awarded the Chancellor's Gold Medal for the best postgraduate examination performance. The Gold Medal was awarded to Manisha Bhardwaj of Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay Forestry College, Piprakothi, Nikita of Agricultural Engineering College, Jayanti Kumari of Humanities College, and K.M. Veethi of Community Science College.
