Varanasi: Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan on Thursday urged scientists to work closely with farmers, transferring advanced tech to boost veggie quality and productivity.After praying at Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Chauhan headed to the Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR) in Shahanshahpur, where he stressed that scientists should focus on boosting tomato shelf life, developing varieties for processing, export-oriented production, and promoting organic farming.Chauhan emphasized that improved varieties, quality seeds, cost-cutting tech, and direct market access can significantly boost farmers’ income. The minister directed the institute to rapidly disseminate technologies, develop export-oriented vegetable species, partner with start-ups and FPOs, and connect youth with agri-entrepreneurship.Microbial bio-fertilisers, bio-stimulants, and bio-pesticide products developed by the institute were also reviewed. Earlier, Chauhan planted red sandalwood saplings on the campus and went for a field visit, during which he held discussions with farmers regarding seed availability, quality, measures to reduce production costs, and the use of modern technologies. Scientists showcased innovations like grafted brinjal-tomato (Brimato) and potato-tomato (Pomato). Chauhan pushed for speedy farmer access to these techs. He also highlighted high-tech nurseries’ role and the need for FPOs to supply quality seedlings and seedsChauhan emphasised preparing region-wise action plans for the upcoming rabi season and making vegetable production systems more resilient, keeping climate change in mind. He stressed the need to accelerate technology transfer by establishing better coordination between Krishi Vigyan Kendras and research institutes. Institute director Rajesh Kumar gave a detailed presentation on its achievements and work being done with farmers.
