President Ram Nath Kovind praised farmers Saturday, saying they have proven to be "remarkably adaptable" to innovation and bold in taking risk, which has helped India become an exporter of key agricultural and allied products.
Speaking after inaugurating the 13th edition of CII Agro Tech India-2018 in Chandigarh, which was attended by 195 exhibitors, including 37 from outside India, Kovind said the Indian farmer has been courageous in converting risk into opportunity.
The president's remarks come a day after opposition leaders rallied behind thousands of farmers from across the country who had gathered in the national capital demanding remunerative prices for their produce and government relief from debt.
The farmers, battling a severe agrarian distress, had started to converge in Delhi on Thursday, stayed at the Ramlila Maidan overnight and on Friday morning, they marched through streets shouting slogans to highlight their plight.
Kovind said the government is working towards greater efficiency in agricultural markets, which will give farmers access to a wider customer base and allow them to get better prices.
He outlined several government initiatives such as Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to improve the condition of farmers.
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The president said the irrigation scheme has covered about one million hectares and the crop insurance scheme has provided a safety net to nearly 25 million farmers.
"These are only a start. In the years to come, we have to cover more farmers and more farm land," he added.
Complementing farmers, Kovind said, "The Indian farmer has proven to be remarkably adaptable unafraid of innovation, new techniques and scientific inputs."
"As a result India has emerged as an exporter of key agricultural and allied products such as rice, marine products, fruits, vegetables and even flowers. Our farmers supply commercial crops like cotton to the rest of the world."