MP NEWS : Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar stated that the path to a developed India emerges from the farmer’s field. He emphasized that institutions working in the field of agriculture and agricultural students have a vital responsibility to bring change and prosperity to the lives of farmers. He said efforts must ensure that farmers are not just crop producers but become agri-preneurs (agriculture entrepreneurs).
The Vice President was addressing an interactive session with students and faculty at Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Agricultural University in Gwalior on Sunday. He urged agricultural students to use technology and research to become agents of change in the agriculture sector.
Also present on the dais were Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Union Minister of Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, the Vice President’s spouse Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar, and University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Arvind Kumar Shukla. District In-charge and Water Resources Minister Shri Tulsiram Silawat was also in attendance.
Vice President Shri Dhankhar said Indian culture promotes the welfare of farmers. Quoting former Prime Ministers, he recalled that Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri gave the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,” which was later extended by Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee to include “Jai Vigyan,” and by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan.” He emphasized that agriculture students are central to science and research and must live up to this responsibility to work for the farmers’ welfare.
He urged that farmers should not be forced to sell their produce immediately and called for the promotion of post-harvest management, establishing warehouses and cold storages to help them store their produce. Shri Dhankhar said that we must be able to anticipate the farmers’ needs even before they express their concerns.
Praising Prime Minister Shri Modi’s leadership, the Vice President said the central government is working in the interest of farmers and has introduced positive policies, including integrating cooperatives into the agriculture ecosystem. Under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, financial assistance is being directly transferred to farmers’ accounts.
Shri Dhankhar paid tribute to Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia and social reformer Dattopant Thengadi, noting that it is a meaningful coincidence that the agricultural university in Gwalior is named after Rajmata and its auditorium after Thengadi Ji. He urged the students to commit themselves to the ideals of these great personalities and always prioritize national interest.
Appreciation for Cow Protection Efforts in Madhya Pradesh
The Vice President lauded Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav’s initiatives for promoting cow protection by encouraging Gaushalas (cow shelters) across Madhya Pradesh. He also requested support from the Chief Minister to expand the Gaushala at the Agricultural University.
Make Agricultural Research World-Class: Governor Shri Patel
Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel highlighted the significant role agriculture has played in the development of human civilization. He noted that agriculture remains the primary source of livelihood for about 65% of India’s population. With Prime Minister Shri Modi’s visionary approach, farmers are being empowered to make India a developed nation.
He said agricultural universities must elevate their research practices to international standards and focus on food security through new technologies that account for changing climate conditions. He called upon universities to collectively promote innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture to strengthen the rural economy.
Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Will Transform Madhya Pradesh’s Economy: CM Dr. Yadav
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav stated that agriculture and animal husbandry will transform the state’s economy. Two years ago, Madhya Pradesh had 45 lakh hectares of agricultural land, which has now expanded to 55 lakh hectares. The state aims to expand this to one crore hectares. Irrigation plays a crucial role in this growth, with continuous efforts being made using water from rivers like the Narmada. He highlighted the approval of India’s first river-linking project—Ken-Betwa—and subsequent clearance for the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal project, which had been pending for years. These projects will significantly improve irrigation in Bundelkhand, Chambal, and Malwa regions, reshaping Madhya Pradesh’s agricultural landscape.
He emphasized promoting high-yield crops and integrating agricultural education and research with modern farming practices. For animal husbandry, the government is offering subsidies for those who rear 25 or more cows and has resolved to purchase milk from cow herders. Land grants for Gaushalas are being provided, and urban shelters for up to 10,000 cows are being planned with 30% subsidies. The government now bears the cost of care for disabled and abandoned cows instead of penalizing their abandonment. The state aims to increase its share in national milk production from 9% to 20%.
Dr. Yadav expressed gratitude to the Vice President for his visit and fondly remembered the contributions of Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia and Dattopant Thengadi to society and the nation.
Revolutionary Developments in Agriculture Underway in India: Union Minister Shri Scindia
said that revolutionary work is taking place in India’s agricultural sector under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He also acknowledged the priority given by Chief Minister Dr. Yadav to irrigation, with river-linking projects like Ken-Betwa and Kali Sindh-Parvati-Chambal bearing testimony.
He remarked that India is moving from the “Amrit Kaal” to the “Shatabdi Kaal,” with the goal of becoming not just self-reliant but a global leader by 2047. Addressing students, he said, “You are the future of India; become the drivers of a new revolution in the country’s development.” He also highlighted Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia’s virtuous contributions to society.
The welcome address was delivered by University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Arvind Kumar Shukla, who briefed the audience about innovations in agriculture and the functioning of associated agricultural science centers and colleges.
The event commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the Vice President and other dignitaries and concluded with the singing of the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana.
Vice President Shri Dhankhar Inaugurates “Natural Farming Unit and Model Cow Shelter”
Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated the “Natural Farming Unit and Model Cow Shelter” at Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Agricultural University, Gwalior. The inauguration ceremony was graced by Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, and Union Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia.
Following the inauguration, all dignitaries visited an exhibition focused on cow-based products and fed fodder to the cows. As part of the “One Tree in Mother’s Name” campaign, Vice President Shri Dhankhar and other dignitaries planted saplings of various species. After the plantation, the Vice President emphasized the need to accelerate afforestation efforts, urging everyone not only to plant trees but also to ensure their protection and care.