New Delhi
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized the need for farmers to explore agro-based products to increase their income, stating this is crucial for achieving a developed India. Speaking after paying tribute to former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh on his death anniversary in New Delhi on May 29, 2025, Dhankhar said that a truly developed India, or “Viksit Bharat,” requires an eightfold increase in people’s income.
He explained that farmers currently contribute significantly during cultivation and harvesting but play a limited role beyond that. Dhankhar urged farmers to expand their involvement in animal husbandry and the agro-based industry, highlighting that the entire food-processing sector depends on farm produce. He called for greater farmer participation in value addition to their crops to enhance earnings.
The Vice-President expressed confidence that such transformation will happen if farmers adopt a far-sighted approach. “Development will be a reality when farmers move beyond traditional agriculture and tap into allied sectors,” he said. Dhankhar’s remarks underline the government’s focus on increasing farmers’ income and integrating them into the broader value chain to support rural prosperity and the vision of a developed India.
To support this vision, the government is expected to introduce policies and incentives that encourage farmers to diversify their activities. By adopting modern techniques and engaging in agro-processing, farmers can enhance productivity and create sustainable income streams. This holistic approach aims to empower rural communities and reduce dependency on traditional farming alone.