CHANDIGARH, 17 February —Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday called for the development of micro-industries in village clusters to enhance the value of agricultural produce and foster a sustainable rural economy.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Advanced Entrepreneurship Skill Development Program (A-EDSP) on “Functional Foods, Nutraceuticals and Their Safety” at the National Agri-Food and Biotechnology Institute in Sector 81, he noted the shift from self-sufficient villages in ancient India to a constitutional framework for cooperatives.
“There must be a mechanism in villages or clusters where micro-industries add value to agro-produce, livestock, and dairy,” Dhankhar said. “
We have milk in villages, but value addition is minimal. What stops us from developing entrepreneurial skills to produce ice creams, paneer, and sweets? This will generate employment and satisfy rural youth.”
He also stressed the need for better technology adoption in farming, noting that many farmers continue using outdated tractors without realizing advancements in fuel efficiency, multifunctionality, and environmental benefits.
“We cannot allow our farmers to receive anything but the best. No short-change for the farm sector, no short-change for the farmer. That has to be our motto,” he said.
During the event, Dhankhar planted a sapling in memory of his late mother, Kesari Devi.
Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, Punjab Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond, and Haryana Minister Shyam Singh Rana were among the dignitaries who welcomed him at Chandigarh International Airport.
