* Dr. S. Doley, Joint Director, ICAR Mizoram Centre, Kolasib
* Officers and staff of ICAR, Mizoram Centre, Kolasib
* My dear farmers
* CHIBAI

I am extremely delighted that we have this wonderful opportunity to come together at the ICAR Mizoram Centre. I have noted with keen interest the valuable feedback which our farmers have shared today.

I congratulate ICAR for their various activities in the field of agriculture and allied activities, including exploration and selection of local germplasm, varietal demonstration and promotion, standardization of technology, and various extension services. Due to their efforts, certain varieties of beans and corn were released as State Varieties. Several types of bird’s eye chilli, mushroom and fish were identified and classified.

Demonstrations were done on high yielding rice varieties, water harvesting, animal husbandry, integrated farming, and many more. Soil map of Mizoram was developed, and FPOs were established. I am sure that this multitude of activities done by ICAR will continue to enhance agricultural productivity and increase the income of the farmers.

The different activities of ICAR, including scientific research, the various training programmes, the distribution of equipments, and valuable expert and technical advice rendered to the farmers, are meant to improve the quality of farming. I request and encourage the ICAR to continue their noble efforts in this regard.

Farmers are the backbone of our country. Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji has prioritized the agriculture sector and given massive importance to our farmers, as evident from the various Schemes, such as Soil Health Card, Soil Testing Laboratories, PM KISAN, doubling farmers’ income, etc. It is the sacred duty of the government officials and functionaries to extend these benefits to the last person.

I request the farmers to be aware of these various schemes, and to approach the authorities wherever assistance is required. I also urge our farmers to continuously update ourselves and to be ready to adopt modern technologies in order to improve productivity. We have to look for ways to market our products with better prices. Towards this end, cooperation between all stakeholders is necessary. The development of our agriculture sector is for the ultimate benefit of all of us.

 As we celebrate Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav to mark 75 years of our Nation’s Independence, the agriculture and allied sector has a massive role to play for the realization of our Hon’ble Prime Minister’s dream of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Self-sufficiency in food production is the first step towards a ‘Self-Reliant’ India. Today, let us all rededicate ourselves and do our best for the achievement of a more prosperous Mizoram, and a New India.

I thank the ICAR Mizoram Centre for this wonderful programme. It is my desire that the publications released today, as well as the distribution of the agricultural inputs, will help in the further improvement of our farming sector. I encourage the ICAR, and all the farmers who have gathered here, to continue to work tirelessly for the progress of our State and our Nation.

KA LAWM E.

Jai Hind.