India’s astronaut Group Captain Shukla will carry biotech kits for experiments in seedling growth in space: Dr. Jitendra Singh - The Statesman

Addressing a gathering of farmers, youth, and entrepreneurs during “Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan” in the border area of RS Pura Sector near here, he emphasized that this paradigm shift in

the mindset and approach towards the aspirations of citizens in remote and border regions.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh said on Friday that over the last eleven years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi prioritised border areas and sought to do away with the terminology “Last

Village” to replace it with “First Village” vision, placing border development at the heart of nation’s growth.

Addressing a gathering of farmers, youth, and entrepreneurs during “Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan” in the border area of RS Pura Sector near here, he emphasized that this paradigm shift in

the mindset and approach towards the aspirations of citizens in remote and border regions.

Highlighting India’s leap from the 5th to 4th largest economy, Dr. Jitendra Singh rebuked false narratives of economic downfall due to assertive defence strategies. He cited Operation

Sindoor as a testament to India’s balanced approach — maintaining strategic strength while propelling economic growth.

“This rise is a befitting reply to so-called intellectuals who doubted India’s capability to sustain economic growth with a robust defence policy,” Dr. Jitendra Singh asserted, crediting the

leadership of PM Modi over the last 11 years for this economic resilience.

The minister quoted Prime Minister Modi’s core governance mantra of serving the Women, Poor, Farmers, and Youth, and affirmed that 26 crore citizen have risen above the poverty line over the

last decade through initiatives such as Fasal Bima Yojana, Nano Urea, and direct support for marginal farmers, especially in conflict-affected border regions.

He also recognized the role of the Ministry of Home Affairs in ensuring insurance coverage for fields exposed to cross-border shelling.

Dr Jitendra Singh referred to the Purple Revolution, spearheaded from Bhaderwah under the Aroma Mission, which has expanded to Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

He proudly shared that over 3,000 lavender-based startups are now active, engaging with perfume industries in Mumbai and redefining the concept of agri-entrepreneurship.

He also spotlighted tulip cultivation – once seasonal, now being harvested off-season. The CSIR-Srinagar is poised to lead cultivation of saffron and marigold, opening new vistas in

floriculture.

Underlining the role of cutting-edge science, Dr. Singh announced that biotech-based value addition projects will enhance the shelf life of produce, with a notable rise in apple production

and SHG involvement.

Dr. Jitendra Singh announced operationalization of Biotech Industrial Park in Kathua, Biotech Kisan Hub under Aspirational Districts Programme, Upcoming AI-based agricultural decision-making

system in Srinagar

In a landmark announcement, Dr. Jitendra Singh revealed that Group Captain Shukla, India’s astronaut heading to the International Space Station (ISS) in June, will carry biotech kits for

scientific experiments in plant research and seedling growth in the Space milieu, showcasing India’s fusion of space science and agriculture.