Direct subsidies of fertilizers and other funds straight into farmers' bank accounts could potentially offer an annual benefit of Rs 35,000, according to VP Dhankhar.
In a series of statements made on May 26, 2025, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized the need for direct financial support to India's farmers. He suggested implementing this support through direct cash subsidies, including for agricultural inputs like fertilizers, with consideration for inflation, similar to the financial assistance provided to Members of Parliament.
Dhankhar, who hails from a farming background, expressed concern over farmers' ongoing struggles despite promises made. He urged the government to fulfill these commitments, particularly in regards to a minimum support price and inflation-adjusted direct subsidies. According to Dhankhar, such measures would provide immediate financial relief to farmers, reduce their helplessness amid economic challenges, and address inflationary pressures that affect agriculture costs.
The Vice President commended the PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi, a scheme that directly deposits funds into farmers' bank accounts. He further suggested that industries and public representatives should adopt villages to support rural development through agro-based ventures. Dhankhar envisioned a future where farmers will not just be food producers but key drivers of India's transformation into a developed nation. To achieve this, he called for recognizing and empowering farmers as "agripreneurs."
In addition, Dhankhar praised the resilience, innovation, and deep-rooted patriotism of Indian farmers as vital strengths that will propel the country's economic growth in the coming years. He expressed confidence that India will soon overtake Germany to become the third-largest global economy, given its remarkable growth over the past decade, currently placing it as the fourth-largest economy in the world.
Moreover, Dhankhar emphasized the importance of Krishi Vigyan Kendras and ICAR institutions in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship among farmers. He highlighted the ongoing initiative, Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, which aims to connect 1.5 crore farmers across 700 districts through direct village-level outreach by agricultural experts.
Lastly, Dhankhar commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's firm stance on national security, including the strategic decision to stop the flow of water to Pakistan. He also commended the bravery of the Indian Armed Forces and highlighted Operation Sindoor as a strong response to terrorism.
[1] Source: Press Conference Transcripts, Office of the Vice President of India. [2] Source: Speeches and Statements, Office of the Vice President of India.
- Venturing into the realm of general news, Vice President Dhankhar's recent address reiterated the urgent need for direct financial support for farmers and emphasized inflation-adjusted subsidies for agricultural inputs as a potential solution, similar to the support given to Members of Parliament.
- In the broader context of politics, Dhankhar also expressed his views on agriculture policies, urging the government to prioritize farmers' interests by ensuring a minimum support price and recognizing them as "agripreneurs", thereby fostering farming as a driving force for India's transformation into a developed nation.
