Rural micro-industries key to growth, says VP Dhankhar

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar today highlighted the importance of establishing micro-industries at the village cluster level to add value to agro-produce and promote a sustainable society.

Speaking as the Chief Guest at the inauguration of the Advanced Entrepreneurship Skill Development Programme (A-EDSP) on “Functional Foods, Neutraceuticals and their Safety” at the National Agri-Food and Biomanufacturing Institute in Mohali, he emphasised the need for revitalising rural economies through micro-industries that can enhance agricultural and dairy products.

He said, “There was a time in ancient India when a village was self-sufficient. Now, the cooperatives are embedded in the Constitution as an institution. There must be an evolution of a mechanism in a village or in a cluster of villages where we have micro industries at the farm that add value to the agro-produce, to the livestock and milk produced. This will help evolve a sustainable society and the nutritional value of food will go up.”

“We have milk in the villages, but value addition is minimal. What stops us from having skills to get into ice creams, paneer, sweets and the like in a cluster approach? This is very important because it will generate employment. It will satisfy the rural youth,” he added.

He also urged farmers to stay updated on technological advancements that could benefit them.

"A farmer is by and large clinging to his tractor. He wants to use the tractor for as long as it can last, ignorant of the fact that new technology is becoming environment-friendly, multifunctional, fuel-efficient and highly subsidised. There has to be an awareness campaign," Dhankhar emphasised.

Later in the day, the Vice President visited IISER Mohali, where he interacted with students and faculty.