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| Secondary agri can boost rural economy; ICAR should focus on converting waste to wealth: Murmu | | | Agencies
NEW DELHI, Sept 20: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday asserted that secondary agriculture could significantly enhance the rural economy, urging the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to focus on converting waste into wealth.
"Secondary agriculture has the potential to boost the rural economy. ICAR should work towards this goal to boost farmers' income," she said while addressing the centenary celebrations of the ICAR-National Institute of Secondary Agriculture (NISA) here as the chief guest.
Highlighting the export potential of Indian lac, which is in high demand in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, the President noted that Jharkhand accounts for 55 per cent of the country's total lac production.
"Jharkhand's lac production is a vital source of income for the tribal community," she emphasised.
She recalled that during her tenure as governor, raw lac produced by farmers was sold for Rs 100-200 per kg, while processed lac could fetch up to Rs 3,000 per kg.
She emphasised the potential for establishing more lac processing units to enhance farmers' income.
The President stressed on the need to make farming a profitable venture while identifying three major challenges facing the agriculture sector in the 21st century: maintaining food and nutrition security, ensuring sustainable resource use, and addressing climate change.
She noted that activities related to secondary agriculture could help tackle these issues. This includes value addition to primary agricultural products and other agriculture-related ventures such as beekeeping, poultry farming, and agricultural tourism, she said. She highlighted that agricultural waste can be effectively utilised through secondary agriculture, transforming it into valuable products. This approach not only protects the environment but also increases farmers' income, she added. The President commended the ICAR-National Institute of Secondary Agriculture (NISA) for its efforts in research, development, and commercial growth of lac, natural resins, and gums. She detailed initiatives such as the establishment of small-scale lac processing units, the development of lac-based natural paints and cosmetics, and the creation of lac coatings to enhance the shelf life of fruits, vegetables, and spices.
She acknowledged NISA's accomplishments in lac farming but noted that there are further opportunities for improvement.
"There is a significant demand for high-quality lac in the pharmaceuticals and cosmetics industries. By enhancing the quality, supply chain, and marketing of Indian lac, our farmers can better meet domestic and international demands and achieve better prices," she said.
Addressing the era of disruptive technologies, Murmu said, "We must leverage these advancements while being mindful of their potential side effects."
She highlighted the importance of providing skill development training for tribal communities and farmers, commending the institute in Ranchi for its advancements in technology, automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
The President suggested promoting Self Help Groups (SHGs) involved in this sector.
She posted on X, "I have special attachment to Jharkhand. Coming to Jharkhand, the holy land of Dharti Aaba (father) Bhagwan Birsa Munda is like a pilgrimage to me. I get a lot of love from the people here. As a Governor, I have done public service here for many years."
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