Bareilly (UP), Jun 30 (PTI) Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday stressed that a developed agricultural sector and prosperous farmers are essential to achieving the goal of 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India).

Speaking at the 11th convocation ceremony of the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) here, the minister emphasised the importance of taking up integrated farming, which combines crop cultivation, animal husbandry and related agri activities, to make agriculture profitable.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has resolved to build a developed India and under his leadership, a massive campaign is underway to build a grand, glorious, prosperous and developed India.

"But to achieve 'Viksit Bharat', a developed agriculture sector and prosperous farmers are essential in which animal husbandry has a very big contribution," the minister said.

Chouhan, who is popularly known as 'mama' (maternal uncle), addressed the passing out students as 'priye vidyarthee bhaanje aur bhaanjiyo' (dear nephews and nieces).

"IVRI is not just an institute, but (it is) the base of India's rural lifestyle, animal husbandry culture and scientific advancement...

"Scientists who passed out from here have given direction not only to the country but also to the world in the field of veterinary science, rural development, livelihood, milk production, vaccine research, disease diagnosis and biosecurity," Chouhan said.

He called upon the students to use their education for the country's growth and development.

"Agriculture cannot become a profitable business without animal husbandry. Only crops will not suffice. A new concept of integrated farming in which animal husbandry is done along with farming. There are other dimensions to it too.

"Therefore, animal husbandry is very important even today and therefore there is no doubt that we have done amazing work in this field, but there is a need to keep working continuously in the future," the Union minister asserted.

Later, in a post on X in Hindi, Chouhan said, "Today, I had the privilege of participating in the convocation ceremony organised at ICAR - Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) located in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, in the dignified presence of the Honourable President Droupadi Murmu Ji...

"I extend my heartiest congratulations and best wishes to all the newly initiated students for a bright future. The nation will surely benefit from your knowledge, your spirit of service and your energy," Chouhan said on X.

He added that animal husbandry is extremely important for the rural economy.

"Even today, a large part of livelihood in villages depends on animal husbandry and related activities. Without this, farming cannot become a profitable business.

"I am confident that all of you will play an active role in the resolution of 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) and 'Viksit Krishi' (Developed Agriculture) and will make the vision of respected Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji a reality," Chouhan said on X. PTI NAV RT RT