Agricultural Entrepreneurship, Farmers’ Economic Empowerment and Livelihood Security

Udaipur: The inaugural ceremony of a three-day Regional Agricultural Fair on the theme “Agricultural Entrepreneurship, Farmers’ Economic Empowerment and Livelihood Security” was held under the chairmanship of Dr. Pratap Singh, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT).
The ceremony was graced by the distinguished presence of Shri Gajendra Singh, All India Organizing Secretary, Bharatiya Kisan Sangh; Shri Tarachand Jain, MLA, Udaipur City; Shri Udaylal Dangi, MLA, Vallabhnagar; Dr. J. P. Mishra, Director, ATARI Zone-II, Jodhpur; Dr. S. K. Sharma, Assistant Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi; and Dr. R. B. Dubey, Vice Chancellor, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner.
The fair was formally inaugurated by the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor and all dignitaries at the sports ground of Rajasthan College of Agriculture, MPUAT. Addressing the inaugural session as the keynote guest, Shri Gajendra Singh emphasized that agriculture has been an integral part of India’s ancient culture and tradition. He stated that farming is not merely a means of livelihood, but a form of devotion and service to Bharat Mata and Dharti Mata. Agriculture symbolizes service, selflessness, and sustainable development, and cow-based natural farming plays a crucial role in strengthening natural agriculture.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Pratap Singh, Vice Chancellor, stated that the regional agricultural fair is being jointly organized by MPUAT and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India. Farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), agricultural entrepreneurs, scientists, and agri-based companies from **six states—Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Daman & Diu, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli—**are participating in the fair.
In his presidential address, Dr. Singh emphasized that agricultural research achieves its true purpose only when technologies reach farmers’ fields and contribute to increased income. He urged farmers to adopt improved seeds developed by the university, water conservation techniques, micro-irrigation systems, and modern agricultural machinery. He highlighted that excessive use of chemical farming has adversely affected soil health, climate, environment, and human health, making the promotion of organic and natural farming essential. Stressing the importance of conserving traditional seeds, he said that natural farming enables sustainable production at lower costs. He also emphasized integrated farming systems, advocating balanced utilization of land, crops, and livestock. Addressing the youth, he encouraged them to look beyond government jobs and embrace agricultural entrepreneurship to create new self-employment opportunities.
Special Guest Shri Udaylal Dangi, MLA Vallabhnagar, motivated farmers to adopt advanced agricultural and animal husbandry practices and benefit from innovative technologies developed by the university. Shri Tarachand Jain, MLA Udaipur City, visited various exhibition stalls and appreciated the large-scale agricultural fair, congratulating the university administration for its successful organization.
Dr. S. K. Sharma, Assistant Director General, ICAR, emphasized the importance of disseminating technological innovations developed by scientific institutions and universities through exhibitions and fairs. While acknowledging the rapid growth of Indian agriculture, he pointed out challenges such as climate change, pressure on natural resources, and food security, and urged adoption of scientifically managed farming systems. He appealed to farmers to increasingly use digital platforms and smart agriculture technologies.
Dr. R. B. Dubey, Vice Chancellor, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, stated that varieties developed specifically for organic farming deliver better results at lower costs. He encouraged farmers to undertake on-farm seed production to enhance self-reliance and reduce cultivation expenses.
Dr. J. P. Mishra, Director (ATARI), highlighted that the fair provides farmers with multiple opportunities to learn new technologies. He stated that dairy and agro-processing, along with cow-based farming, can generate higher profits at lower costs. He encouraged farmers to adopt cow-based, poultry, and integrated farming models at both farm and household levels.
Other dignitaries present included Engineer Suhas Manohar, Member of the Management Board; Shri Krishna Murari Bharti, senior leader of Bharatiya Kisan Sangh; Shri Ashok Kumar, Registrar; Ms. Darshana Gupta, Finance Controller; and senior university officials and council members.
At the outset, Dr. R. L. Soni, Chief Organizing Secretary and Director, Extension Education, delivered the welcome address and provided detailed information about the technical sessions scheduled over the three days. Dr. Rajeev Berathi proposed the vote of thanks, while the programme was conducted by Dr. Vishakha Bansal.
Release of Technical Book
During the programme, the book “Safal Krishi Udhami”, authored by scientists of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bhilwara, was released. Additionally, Shri Suresh Chandra Meena, Assistant Director, Doordarshan, and Shri Virendra Parihar, Programme Officer, Krishi Doordarshan Rajasthan, Jaipur, were felicitated with certificates for their outstanding contributions in farmers’ welfare.
Technical Lectures
Following the inaugural session, scientists delivered expert lectures for farmers on various topics:
•    Dr. K. K. Yadav spoke on soil testing and the importance of Soil Health Cards
•    Dr. Virendra Singh discussed livelihood security through horticulture
•    Dr. Hemlata Sharma delivered a lecture on increasing productivity through improved crop varieties
•    Dr. Jagdish Chaudhary spoke on income enhancement through integrated farming systems
Farmers Honoured in Crop Competition
Under the crop competition, farmers achieving excellence were awarded first prizes in their respective categories:
•    Rabi maize: Shri Mohanlal (Banswara)
•    Wheat: Shri Rajendra (Pratapgarh)
•    Castor: Shri Lal Singh (Rajsamand)
•    Chickpea: Shri Mangelal (Banswara)