Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management K.A. Sengottaiyan on Friday (July 24) urged students pursuing agricultural to safeguard the future of farming, saying agriculture must never be neglected as it remains the backbone of India’s economy.

Speaking after inaugurating the newly constructed auditorium at Kumaraguru Institute of Agriculture, he recalled the contribution of the institution’s founder, Arutchelvar Dr. N. Mahalingam, to the farming sector. He said Dr. Mahalingam launched Kisan World nearly five decades ago and advocated for river interlinking much before the concept gained wider attention.

Quoting former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s words, “Everything can wait, but not agriculture,” the Minister said agriculture deserved the highest priority and reiterated that “Agriculture is Indian culture.”

P.K. Krishnaraj Vanavarayar, chairman of Kumaraguru Institutions, who presided over the function, said students of agriculture would play a key role in shaping the future of farming and the country. Recalling Dr. Mahalingam’s vision, he highlighted his efforts to support farmers, to interlink rivers to address droughts and floods, and to promote sustainable agricultural development. He also stressed the need to increase tree cover and protect the environment in the face of climate change.

On the occasion, the Arutchelvar Award for Progressive Farmer was presented to V.T. Valluvan, the C. Subramaniam Award for Contribution to Agriculture through Science to V. Sundarraj of Vanam India Foundation, and the Nammalvar Award for Organic Farmer to M. Balasubramaniam.