Vice-President Stresses Farmer-Centric Development and Calls for Boost in PM-Kisan Support at Solan University
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Solan, June 7, 2025: Addressing students at Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan, Vice-President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized that the future of a developed India lies in strengthening its farming community. In a powerful speech, he underlined that “The farmer is not just an Annadata but a Bhagya Vidhata — the architect of our destiny.”
Calling the present generation “fortunate” for witnessing a shift from Agriculture Intelligence to Artificial Intelligence, the Vice-President noted that revolutionary changes in the rural economy would be driven by innovations combining both fields.
Voicing concern over an export-first mentality, he asked, “Why should the best be kept for export? Don’t we deserve to eat and wear the best ourselves?” He called for a mindset that prioritizes domestic quality and dignity.
Shri Dhankhar urged the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to revise the PM-Kisan payout in proportion to inflation, suggesting that if all subsidies are directly given to farmers, “the ₹6,000 could become ₹30,000 annually.”
Promoting direct subsidy transfers, he said farmers should have the autonomy to choose between chemical fertilizers and organic methods. He also stressed on value addition at the farmland level, expressing dismay at how cities send vegetables and fruits to villages, and how surplus tomatoes are wasted due to lack of processing.
Encouraging rural entrepreneurship, he said, “Youth from farming families must be trained to become agri-entrepreneurs. A dedicated force must be built.” He cited the U.S. model where farmers’ incomes surpass household averages due to direct state support.
The event was also graced by MP Shri Suresh Kumar Kashyap, HP Health Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rajeshwar Singh Chandel, among other dignitaries.
