Union Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Minister, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan today addressed the centenary celebrations at the ICAR- Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology. Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan congratulated all on completing 100 years. Shri Chouhan said that when this laboratory was established 100 years ago in 1924, perhaps the only purpose would have been to find out how to earn maximum profit from cotton, at that time, they would have had their own goals and objectives, but today our goal is to build a developed India under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Union Minister added that “a glorious, prosperous, rich India cannot be built without farmers. Even today, agriculture is the backbone of India's economy and farmers are its soul”. Shri Chouhan said that as a minister, serving farmers is like worshipping God for me. He added that various dimensions have to be fulfilled through this institute.
Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that what is required in this institute right now is the mechanization of cotton picking, this is very important for increasing the sustainability of cotton farming in India. Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (CIRCOT) is the only institute which is working for processing of mechanically picked cotton. There is a need to adapt the plant and machinery for processing of mechanically harvested cotton. For this, pilot plant facility will be arranged here when the institute completes 100 years. Necessary arrangements will also be made for how it can become an international center for cotton genome. Shri Chouhan further said that it is very important to develop a traceability system in cotton. All necessary facilities will be developed here to develop new traceability technology for the export of Indian cotton and this effort is also for the farmer.
Shri Chouhan emphasized that cotton seed is very expensive. Private companies sell seeds to farmers at a very high price. ICAR should try to ensure that farmers get quality seeds at low prices. Pay attention to the farmer as well so that farmers get benefit from cotton farming and they can earn their livelihood from farming.
Shri Chouhan said that the Prime Minister has given us a target till 2047. Shri Chouhan said that “We should also make a roadmap for Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (CIRCOT) till 2047. I need a roadmap of what we will do till 2047. We should work fast on it so that we can do the work related to cotton production, dealing, processing, plaiting etc. Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (CIRCOT) should be at the top by 2047 at any cost. You all should also think about it”. While congratulating on the completion of 100 years, Union Minister said that we should take a new journey with new zeal and enthusiasm so that the farmers are benefited; the industry also runs well, good clothes are also available, CIRCOT also moves forward and India also becomes the leader of the world.
