Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Tribal Affairs, Arjun Munda, inaugurated the ‘Phalguni’ and ‘Chayan Bhawan’ girls' hostels of the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB) at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Pusa, New Delhi. The event, held on January 31, witnessed the presence of notable dignitaries including Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shobha Karandlaje, Secretary of DARE, Kailash Chaudhary, Director General of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Chairman of ASRB Dr. Sanjay Kumar, and IAIR Director Dr. A.K. Singh.
Commitment to Agricultural Development
Union Agriculture Minister Munda highlighted the Central Government's dedication, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, towards the growth of the agriculture sector and the welfare of farmers. He emphasized the government's strategic approach through state collaborations to benefit agriculture and allied sectors. Prime Minister Modi envisions self-reliant and empowered farmers capable of catering to both national and global markets. The emphasis is not only on enhancing agricultural infrastructure but also on integrating modern technologies, including satellite assistance, to propel farming into the future.
Empowering Farmers Through Schemes and Programs
Minister Munda underscored various schemes and programs, including the ‘Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman’ (PM Kisan) scheme, initiated by the Central Government for income support to farmers. The objective is to ensure that farmers play an integral role in the country's development, aligning with the Prime Minister's vision to make India developed by 2047.
Tribal Farmers Encouraged to Lead Technological Advancements
Minister Munda urged tribal farmers from Jharkhand, present at the ceremony, to contribute to the adoption of advanced technologies learned during their training. He emphasized the importance of disseminating best practices acquired through field visits to remote areas. The Minister also commended the ongoing efforts at Pusa in conserving rare seeds and plants, along with rigorous research focusing on quality and nutrition.
IARI's Impressive Accommodation Facility ‘Falguni’
IARI Director Dr. A.K. Singh provided details about the newly inaugurated hostel ‘Falguni,’ boasting 500 rooms and state-of-the-art amenities such as a Food Court, Solar Energy System, Rain Water Harvesting System, Generator Based Power Backup, Wi-Fi Network, R.O. Drinking water, firefighting system, parking, and lift. The facility aims to provide a conducive environment for students, scientists, teachers, and farmers.
Other dignitaries, including Minister of State Chaudhary, Shobha Karandlaje, DG Dr. Pathak, and Chairman Dr. Sanjay, expressed their perspectives on the occasion. Minister Munda highlighted India's achievements, such as becoming the 5th largest economy globally and playing a significant role in international platforms like G-20.
The ceremony concluded with the participation of officials from ICAR, IAIR, ASRB, scientists, teachers, students, and farmers, highlighting the collaborative effort towards advancing agriculture in the country.
