There should be an Indian Council for Applied Agricultural Research, located in Madhya Pradesh. This choice is strategic due to its central location in India, facilitating accessibility for stakeholders and making it an ideal hub for agricultural engagement.
Central Location: Madhya Pradesh’s central position makes it convenient for all stakeholders to visit, ensuring broad participation and collaboration. The state’s diverse agricultural landscape and strategic location offer a unique advantage.
Stakeholder Engagement: It is ideal for engaging farmers, farmer families, villagers, retired government officials, scientists, military personnel, and other stakeholders interested in various aspects of food, including nutrition, taste, and efficient food production.
Food Processing Capabilities: Madhya Pradesh is pivotal in India’s food processing sector. It aligns with the national agenda for reducing food wastage and maximizing the utility of agricultural produce, making it an ideal location for the Council.
The research conducted will involve a diverse range of participants to address key issues in agricultural practices, ensuring sustainable and efficient food production. The principle of Annam Brahma, which underscores the importance of food in Vedanta, will guide the Council’s initiatives. By-products from agricultural processes can be recycled into the soil, promoting sustainability without harmful chemicals.
Current Gaps and Future Needs: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research currently operates centrally, while state universities handle agricultural sciences. However, there is a need for improved coordination and expansion to ensure advancements are well-documented and disseminated.
Expanding the Central Food Technology Research Institute into 30 regional centres will enhance research and application.
These centres will focus on:-
– Minimizing processing time
– Improving communication of developments
– Ensuring food safety, thereby promoting consumer awareness and compliance with international standards.
The Council will align with international standards, such as ISO and HACCP, to meet global food production and safety requirements. It will also address phytosanitary measures to ensure agricultural products meet industrial use standards.
The proposal includes acquiring 2 million specialized food containers for global shipping, ensuring food safety and compliance with international traceability and standards.
Employment and Income Growth: The initiative is expected to engage about 2 crore people part-time and 5 crore families full-time in food production, leading to increased employment and incomes. By focusing on food design and development, it aims to eradicate hunger and ensure everyone has access to food from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Waste Recycling and Job Creation: A movement to control and recycle household bio-waste will not only improve urban cleanliness but also create approximately 5 million jobs. Recycling initiatives will further enhance employment opportunities and improve livelihoods for at least 2 crore people already involved in these activities.
The immediate establishment of the following institutions is needed to support these objectives:-
– Indian Council for Applied Agriculture Research: This council will focus on applied research and its practical implementation in agriculture.
– Indian Agriculture Products Recycling Agency: This agency will oversee the recycling of agricultural products to minimize waste and promote sustainability.
– Centre for Communications, Logistics and Transportation of Food Products: This centre will improve the logistics of food products across railways, roads, and other transportation forms.
– Centre for International Relations in Agriculture and Foods: This centre will facilitate collaboration with international bodies, including the Bharat – United Nations Food Programme (UNFP).
Additionally, the creation of the South Agricultural Organization will enhance agricultural activities in southern nations, with headquarters in Brazil. It will support countries like New Zealand, Australia, Kenya, and others to combat hunger and improve agricultural productivity. This organization will work at a fraction of the current UN operations’ cost, complementing the UN’s efforts to eliminate hunger globally by leveraging surplus production from the South.
India’s surplus agricultural production, currently around 40 million tons, should be used to address global hunger. By integrating global surpluses, the Council aims to meet the needs of one billion people, ensuring prosperity in Africa, South America, and the Asia Pacific regions.
The industry that converts in the best possible way will require to be ‘S.M.A.R.T.’:
S – Specific
M – Measurable
A – Achievable
R – Realistic
T – Time-bound
In conclusion, the establishment of the Indian Council for Applied Agricultural Research in Madhya Pradesh is a strategic move to enhance agricultural research, promote sustainability, and address global food security. The proposed institutions and initiatives will foster collaboration, improve food production efficiency, and create significant employment opportunities, contributing to India’s agricultural growth and global food security.
