Ranchi: Addressing the centenary year celebration of ICAR-National Institute of Secondary Agriculture (NISA) in Ranchi on Friday, President Droupadi Murmu called upon scientists and administrators of the institute to take a lead role in devising profitable and scientific models of secondary agriculture to ensure financial well-being of farmers across the country.
NISA has been a pioneer in the field of conducting research on lac and making it a profitable proposition for tribals who master in the craft of collecting and processing lac from Kusum and Palash trees.
“Maintaining food and nutrition security, sustainable use of resources and tackling climate change, can be effectively addressed by secondary agriculture practices,” the President said adding that agricultural waste can be utilized properly through secondary agriculture activities.
She said that lac is produced in India mainly by the tribal community.
“The development of lac-based natural paints, varnishes and cosmetic products; development of lac-based coating to increase the shelf-life of fruits, vegetables and spices will not only give market to lac but also provide additional income to farmers,” the President pointed.
“Automation and Plant Engineering Division has been established in NISA which focuses on the development of robotics, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence-enabled equipment, which is a big step in the direction of proper use of technology,” Murmu added.
Acknowledging the work of NISA in promoting lac, the President said there are still many areas in which work can be done.
“There is a demand for high-quality lac in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. If the quality, supply chain and marketing of Indian lac are improved, our farmers will be able to supply it across the country and abroad thereby getting better prices,” the President noted.
The event was also attended by union minister of agriculture Shivraj Singh Chouhan, governor Santosh Gangwar, chief minister Hemant Soren and state minister of agriculture Deepika Pandey.
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