Varanasi, Feb 26 (UNI) union Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has called for agricultural scientists to continuously coordinate with farmers to improve the quality and productivity of vegetable production and to expedite the dissemination of advanced technologies to the fields.
The minister planted a red sandalwood sapling and held a review meeting with scientists at the Indian Vegetable Research Institute campus in Varanasi today.
During the field visit, the union Minister directly interacted with farmers on seed availability and quality, measures to reduce production costs, and the use of modern technologies. Scientists gave detailed presentations on advanced technologies such as grafted brinjal-tomato (Brimato) and potato-tomato (Pomato). The union Minister commended these innovations and directed that the benefits of these technologies reach farmers as soon as possible. He underscored the utility of high-tech nurseries and emphasized the need to provide quality seedlings and seeds through FPOs.
He urged scientists to focus on increasing the shelf life of tomatoes and other vegetables, developing processable varieties, export-oriented production, and promoting organic farming. Microbial biofertilizers, biostimulants, and biopesticides developed by the institute were also reviewed. He also stated that the institute should work rapidly to connect startups and youth with agri-entrepreneurship.
The Agriculture Minister emphasized the need to prepare region-specific action plans for the upcoming Rabi season and develop climate-resilient vegetable production systems. He emphasized the need for better coordination between Krishi Vigyan Kendras and research institutes to accelerate technology transfer.
In the meeting, the institute’s Director, Dr. Rajesh Kumar, detailed the achievements and stated that continuous technical assistance is being provided to farmers to increase vegetable exports. Dr. Sudhakar Pandey, Assistant Director General of ICAR, was also present.
Increased coordination between scientists, farmers to improve vegetable production: union Agriculture Minister
