President Droupadi Murmu confers degrees upon 543 students at ICAR-IARI convocation ceremony

NEW DELHI: President Droupadi Murmu awarded medals and degrees to 543 students at the 62nd convocation of the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi. The President in his address said the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-IARI has made an unparalleled contribution in achieving food security by India.

“IARI has not only efficiently carried out research and development work related to agriculture but has also ensured that such research reaches on the ground,” she said. Murmu acknowledged that the institute has developed more than 200 new technologies. Between 2005 and 2020, IARI has developed more than 100 varieties and has more than 100 patents in its name, she said.

Ensure agriculture sector grows

The President said a large population in India earns livelihood from agriculture and contributes significantly to India's GDP. “It is extremely important to ensure that this base of our economy grows as much as possible and that there is no hindrance in it,” she added.

Murmu noted that the government is working to increase the income of farmers, promote new agricultural methods and provide a smooth irrigation system. The government has significantly increased the minimum support price (MSP) for all crops to provide income security to the farmers, she added.

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The President said that we all are aware of the problems related to farmers and agriculture. Many of our farmer brothers and sisters are still living in poverty. We will have to move forward with greater urgency in ensuring that farmers get the right price for their produce and move from a life of poverty to prosperity. She expressed confidence that when India emerges as a developed nation in the year 2047, the Indian farmers will be the pioneers of this journey.