BARAMATI: Union Minister of State for Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ramnath Thakur, visited the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) operated by the Agricultural Development Trust in Baramati on Saturday. During his visit, he participated in a farmer rally organized under the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ (Save the Farms Campaign). He highly praised the various ongoing initiatives in Baramati focused on agricultural development, the adoption of modern technology, and sustainable farming practice.

Addressing the farmers at the rally, Ramnath Thakur commended the visionary leadership of Sharad Pawar, which has brought about a massive transformation in Baramati’s agricultural landscape. He noted that this region, which was once plagued by severe droughts, is now recognized as one of the most developed agricultural zones in the country. He congratulated the scientists of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Baramati, and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for this achievement.

The Union Minister expressed deep concern over the adverse effects on human health and soil fertility caused by the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. He emphasized the urgent need to promote natural farming, bio-fertilizers, and organic pesticides. He also expressed confidence that the agricultural models developed at the Baramati Krishi Vigyan Kendra would serve as an inspiration for farmers across India.

On this occasion, Sunil Borkar, Director of ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’, shared detailed insights into the scheme, while Dr. S. K. Roy highlighted the various activities of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra. During the event, progressive farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) were honored, and ‘Soil Health Cards’ were distributed to the farmers.

Prior to the main event, the Union Minister toured the research farms of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra to inspect various ongoing practical projects. He was welcomed there by Trustee Ranjit Pawar, Rajiv Deshpande, Chief Executive Officer Prof. Nilesh Nalawade, and Senior Scientist Dr. Dheeraj Shinde.

High Praise for AI Technology in Agriculture

During his field visit, the Minister highly appreciated an innovative project being implemented in sugarcane and other crops using Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based technology, developed in collaboration with Oxford University and Microsoft. He stated that this technology would significantly reduce input costs and boost crop yields. He also recommended setting up 100 demonstration plots on an experimental basis in every state across the nation.

Additionally, he praised the skill development training programs in bio-fertilizers, organic pesticides, natural farming, the center of excellence for vegetables, advanced nursery management, millets processing, as well as training for sugarcane harvester operators, fisheries, and beekeeping. He noted that these initiatives are opening up fresh employment opportunities for rural youth and significantly helping boost farmers’ income.

The event was attended by directors of various ICAR institutes, officials from Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, senior officials from the agriculture department, scientists, and a large gathering of farmers.