Pres Kovind calls upon IARI to help students launch start-ups

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President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday urged the Indian Agricultural Research Institute to set up innovation and incubation centres to help students launch start-up ventures in the agricultural sector.

Kovind was addressing the 56th convocation of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi, a place that started the Green revolution.

"IARI should start 'Innovation Centres' or 'Incubation Centres' to help students to launch start-up ventures in the agricultural sector," he said.

Stressing that there are several schemes of the Central and State Governments that offer special incentives to enterprises engaged in the agriculture sector, President Kovind said that many venture capital funds can come forward to invest in agriculture-based enterprises.

He then called upon the students to use opportunities and set up their ventures to become job creators.

"There are several schemes of the Central and State Governments that offer special incentives to enterprises engaged in the agriculture sector. There are also many venture capital funds that can come forward to invest in agriculture-based enterprises," Kovind said.

Speaking on the occasion, the President also stated that IARI played a critical role in the Green Revolution that changed the course of food production in the country.

Noting that the students from 14 countries are being educated in the institution, President stated that IARI is helping in the development of agricultural capacities and research in neighbouring countries.

Invoking Mahatma Gandhi, Kovind said Gandhi had observed that agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy. He said, "this is relevant even today".

"Enhancement of income of farmers and overall development in rural areas is the priority of the entire country. In this endeavour, students of IARI could contribute through innovations," he added.

In the one-week event which started on February 5, 2018 merit awards, prestigious national awards, degrees were presented to 250 students. Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh was also present at the function.