Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Mar 1: Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy announced plans to propose deemed university status for the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR), Hesaraghatta, Bengaluru. He intends to discuss the matter with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Speaking at the National Horticulture Fair 2025 valedictory ceremony, Kumaraswamy underscored the need for strong institutional support in agricultural research. He highlighted that the central government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Viksit Bharat 2047 and Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, has allocated ?1,52,000 crore for agriculture in the 2025-26 Union Budget.

He emphasized the critical role of agricultural research in achieving self-reliance and assured that steps would be taken to strengthen institutions like ICAR-IIHR.

Kumaraswamy also urged young farmers to take advantage of government subsidy schemes and stay in rural areas rather than migrating to cities. He pointed out the global demand for Indian agricultural products and stated that with proper support, even small-scale farmers can earn substantial incomes.

Addressing Karnataka’s ?52,000 crore annual spending on guarantee schemes, Kumaraswamy suggested that redirecting even one year’s funds toward agriculture and horticulture could transform the sector and make Karnataka a national model for rural development.

He called for long-term solutions over short-term guarantees, emphasizing that empowering agriculture and horticulture with technology, market access, and diversification is more effective in improving farmers' lives. He proposed training programs where young farmers could receive hands-on education on modern farming techniques, technological advancements, and high-yield crop strategies.