India, Feb. 15 -- The Government of India has issued a release:
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan today attended the 51st Foundation Day celebrations of the ICAR-Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal. He dedicated a cotton harvesting machine developed by scientists to farmers, making cotton harvesting easier. During the ceremony, Shri Chouhan remarked that until now, cotton harvesting was done entirely manually, requiring significant time, labor, and cost. It had been a long-standing demand from farmers to develop an indigenous and cost-effective cotton harvesting machine. Today, I am pleased to report that our scientists have fulfilled this demand. Developed at a cost of approximately Rs.15 lakh, this machine will not only speed up and simplify the harvesting process but also reduce farmers' production costs. I believe this will make cotton farming more profitable and lead to a real increase in farmers' income. He said, "I congratulate all the scientists and technical experts of the institute for this innovation. The government's resolve is clear: by maximizing the use of modern technology in agriculture, we will empower, enrich, and make farmers self-reliant."
In 50 years, the institute has created a history of innovation.
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the 50th Foundation Day of ICAR - Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering - is not just a celebration, but a symbol of the glorious journey of mechanization in Indian agriculture. He said that farming can no longer be done solely by hand or with the help of oxen. Mechanization is essential in changing times, and rapid progress has been made in this direction in the last few years. Over the past five decades, the institute has taken agricultural mechanization to new heights. It has done a significant job by developing useful and affordable machines, especially for small farmers. The Union Minister said that an exhibition of innovations has also been organized at the institute on the occasion of the Foundation Day. Farmers are trained here, new machines are developed, and then they are made available to farmers across the country through agricultural equipment manufacturers. I heartily congratulate the entire institute family for this historic achievement.
CIAE Institute has transformed the impossible into invention
At the Foundation Day celebrations, Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan also distributed modern and affordable equipment to farmers and women. The Union Minister said, "Today we are distributing a human-operated single-row vegetable transplanter, a manual maize sheller, and a sickle that will not require frequent sharpening. Our sisters will no longer have to endure the hassle of sharpening with a stone." He added that improved seeds are also being distributed to farmers. All these equipment and innovations are for the public. The institute will always remain open for training and will continuously provide training to our small farmers. Praising the achievements of the ICAR-Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, he said, "This institute has transformed the impossible into invention. It is a confluence of research, self-reliance, and innovation. You have transformed hard work into results and costs into profit, which is a milestone for the agricultural sector."
The country needs all types of crops.
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that amid changing crop cycles and challenges, the country needs all types of crops, especially cotton production, to be revitalized. He noted that cotton was once grown extensively in areas like Bhaironda, Dewas, and Khategaon, but has now been replaced by other crops. Soybean is also facing challenges and is being replaced by crops like maize, but we need a balanced crop management system. The Union Minister stated that a major reason for declining cotton productivity is the pink bollworm, which has caused significant damage to the crop. To address this challenge, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research is developing new improved varieties. High-density planting is also being promoted to increase production. Currently, cotton is picked manually, which is time-consuming and costly. It is also important to transform the lives of laborers. Every person has the right to progress and live a better life. He said that a training centre has been set up for farmers and agricultural equipment manufacturers, where training is being given on operation and manufacturing of various machines, so that the benefits of technology can reach the farmers faster.
Machines have changed lives, but balance is essential.
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that small machines should now be introduced to villages. Farmers should not only sow but also process crops like pulses themselves. He said that a pulse machine costing approximately Rs.2.5 lakh can produce 200 kg of pulses per hour and 2000 kg in 10 hours, or approximately 20 quintals. Whether it's pigeon pea, chickpea, or mung bean, you can make your own pulses and sell them in the market. Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that up to 50 percent subsidy is available under various mechanization schemes, including the Pulses Mission. Farmer groups or self-help groups should jointly purchase machines, process pulses where they are grown, brand them, and increase income by selling pure pulses. He said that machines have changed lives, but balance is essential. Use technology, but humans should not become machines. Also, promote natural farming and give cows and livestock a respectable place in the agricultural system.
Disclaimer: The original story of this translated version is available on Press Information Bureau.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
