Karnal, Haryana | 22 April 2025 — In a powerful address at the convocation of the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, called on India’s agri-research community and input industries to actively contribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).
Speaking to graduating students and stakeholders in Karnal, Chouhan underscored the need for “innovation that touches the grassroots” and partnerships that translate into “real benefits for farmers.”
“India is an ancient and great nation,” he said. “I’ve been to many countries, but what we have here, no one else does.”
He emphasized that realizing India’s potential as a global dairy leader requires a united front: scientists, students, institutions, and the private sector working in synergy.
Turning Knowledge into Action
Addressing the next generation of dairy scientists, Chouhan urged students to turn their education into tangible solutions for agriculture and rural development.
“Education must lead to empowerment and nation-building. Today is not just about receiving degrees—it’s about pledging yourselves to serve Bharat through innovation and action,” he said, invoking the legacy of Swami Vivekananda.
Chouhan encouraged graduates to think boldly and share transformative ideas widely—especially those that can reshape how India feeds itself and the world.
India’s Global Dairy Aspirations
The Minister, who recently visited Brazil to study international farming systems, reiterated India’s global potential in dairy.
“We are number one in milk production—but now our goal is to ensure Indian dairy products reach homes across the world,” he said.
Chouhan called on institutions like NDRI to deepen their collaboration with the agri-input industry, scale innovations, and accelerate technology transfer to farmers. He also suggested that NDRI adopt a village as a living lab for piloting impactful innovations in dairying and rural livelihoods.
Government Push for Rural Prosperity
Highlighting key government initiatives such as the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ mission (aiming to create 3 crore rural women entrepreneurs) and the ‘Poverty-Free Village Campaign,’ Chouhan said such programs offer fertile ground for private sector and research institutions to engage deeply with rural India.
“If we work together—institutions, scientists, industry—we can make India number one not just in milk, but in self-reliance, prosperity, and global leadership,” he concluded.
Editor’s Note:
This speech comes at a crucial time as India intensifies its push to become a dairy export powerhouse. With the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa emerging as key markets, innovations driven by institutions like NDRI and partnerships with agri-input firms will play a decisive role in India’s dairy ascendancy.
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