H D Kumaraswamy Advocates Deemed University Status for ICAR-IIHR, Highlights Agricultural Reforms

Bengaluru, March 1 – Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H D Kumaraswamy, announced plans to discuss granting deemed university status to the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR), Hesaraghatta, with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He made this statement while addressing the National Horticulture Fair 2025 valedictory ceremony organized by ICAR-IIHR on Saturday.

Strengthening Agricultural Research​

Kumaraswamy underscored the need for institutional support in agricultural research and stated that he would also consult Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on the matter.

"The Central government aims to achieve self-reliance in agriculture, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Viksit Bharat 2047 and Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. The 2025-26 Union Budget has allocated ₹1,52,000 crore for agriculture, reinforcing this commitment," he said.

Emphasizing the importance of research institutions, he added, "Strengthening research in agriculture is crucial. As part of this initiative, we will work towards granting deemed university status to ICAR-IIHR."

Boosting Farmer Welfare and Rural Growth​

Kumaraswamy highlighted various government subsidy schemes for farmers and urged young agriculturists to capitalize on available opportunities.

"There is immense global demand for Indian agricultural products. Instead of migrating to cities, rural youth should explore farming innovations in their own villages. Even with half an acre of land, farmers can generate substantial income," he noted.

Expressing his stance on government guarantee schemes, he clarified that he was not against them but believed they should not come at the cost of agriculture’s progress.

"Karnataka’s people have contributed taxes even during tough times. Currently, the state government spends ₹52,000 crore annually on guarantee schemes. If just one year's allocation were redirected to agriculture and horticulture, it could transform the sector and position Karnataka as a model state for the entire country," he asserted.

A Call for Sustainable Agricultural Policies​

Kumaraswamy urged the government to focus on long-term solutions for farmers' welfare instead of relying solely on guarantee schemes.

"Farmers' lives will not improve with temporary guarantees alone. A better approach is to empower agriculture and horticulture with proper support and market access. This will yield more benefits than providing a hundred guarantees," he remarked.

He also encouraged crop diversification for higher income, stressing the need for expert guidance.

"Farmers must adopt diverse crops for better financial stability. Officials and experts should actively train young farmers in modern horticulture practices. These farmers should receive at least 15 days of training on technological advancements, global farming trends, and high-yield techniques at minimal costs," he suggested.

Recognizing Farmer Contributions​

During the event, Kumaraswamy felicitated progressive farmers for their outstanding contributions to horticulture, underscoring their role in driving agricultural advancements.

His remarks reinforced the need for government support, strategic investments, and modern techniques to strengthen India’s agricultural sector, ensuring long-term growth and sustainability.