Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar has reiterated the urgency of addressing the persistent issues faced by farmers in India, emphasizing that their distress requires immediate national attention. Speaking at an event at the College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences in Dharwad, Mr. Dhankhar stressed that the concerns of farmers must not be sidelined, especially as the nation’s growth remains intertwined with the agricultural sector’s success.
The Vice-President underscored the critical need for timely resolution of farmers’ issues, including their ongoing demand for a statutory minimum support price (MSP). “We cannot afford in this nation, that is rising and the rise is unstoppable, to put concerns of farmers on the back burner,” he stated emphatically. Mr. Dhankhar highlighted that time is of the essence in addressing these challenges and urged for a united effort to resolve them promptly.
Economic Security for Farmers
One of the central themes of Mr. Dhankhar’s address was the economic security of farmers. He emphasized that a robust agricultural sector would lead to a more dynamic and resilient national economy. “When the farmer is economically fine, the economy gets driven. When the farmer spends, the economy is automatically driven,” he explained. He further noted that the ripple effects of a thriving agricultural sector include a reduction in non-performing assets within the farm sector, which is pivotal for economic stability.
Mr. Dhankhar pointed out the critical role agro-based industries play in supporting farmers. He urged these institutions to allocate their corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds toward the welfare of farmers and the advancement of agricultural research. “Farm produce is the lifeline of these industries, and that heartbeat is controlled by the farmer,” he remarked. By ensuring the well-being of farmers, these industries can secure their own sustainability and growth.
To underline the importance of farmers’ welfare, Mr. Dhankhar articulated a simple but powerful mantra: “We have to do three things: One, keep our farmers happy. Two, keep our farmers happy. And three, keep our farmers happy at any cost.” This statement not only highlights the necessity of prioritizing farmers’ happiness but also underscores the broader impact of their well-being on the national economy.
During a prior event in Maharashtra, Mr. Dhankhar publicly urged Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to engage with farmers and work toward a solution to their demands. He dismissed concerns that implementing a statutory MSP would lead to inflation, calling for a more nuanced understanding of the issue. By addressing these concerns, the Vice-President aims to bridge the gap between policymakers and farmers, ensuring that their grievances are acknowledged and resolved.
The ICU Analogy
In a compelling analogy, Mr. Dhankhar compared the attention required by farmers to the care given to patients in an intensive care unit (ICU). “We must pay attention to the farmer as we pay attention to our patients in ICU,” he said. This analogy underscores the urgency and precision needed in addressing agricultural challenges, emphasizing that neglecting farmers’ issues could have far-reaching consequences.
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s recent statements serve as a clarion call for the nation to prioritize the welfare of its farmers. By ensuring their economic security, engaging agro-based industries, and addressing key concerns such as MSP, India can pave the way for a vibrant and sustainable agricultural sector. As Mr. Dhankhar aptly put it, keeping farmers happy is not just a priority but a necessity for the nation’s unstoppable rise.
