HDK to press Union government for Deemed University status for IIHR

H.D. Kumaraswamy
| Photo Credit: File Photo

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy said he will hold discussions with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to seek Deemed University status for Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hesaraghatta.

Speaking at the valedictory ceremony of the National Horticulture Fair 2025, organised by the institute, Mr. Kumaraswamy emphasised the importance of this status for advancing research and innovation in the horticulture sector.

The three-day fair at Hesaraghatta saw a total of 50,000 visitors, 250 stalls, 250 live demonstrations of IIHR technologies, besides participation of 15 progressive farmers from across the country. 

Budget allocation

Mr. Kumaraswamy said the Union government is focused on achieving complete self-reliance in agriculture, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Viksit Bharat 2047 and Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. As part of this initiative, a record ₹1,52,000 crore has been allocated to the agriculture sector in the 2025-26 Union Budget. Mr. Kumaraswamy highlighted that agricultural research and technology development would receive increased emphasis, strengthening bodies like the Horticultural Research Institute.

“I have met Mr. Chouhan multiple times to discuss the welfare of Karnataka’s farmers. The Union government offers various subsidy schemes that young farmers must take advantage of. There is significant global demand for Indian agricultural products. Instead of migrating to cities, young farmers should find sustainable livelihoods in villages. Even half an acre of land can yield substantial profits,” he remarked.

The Minister emphasised the need for farmers to increase their earnings through horticulture and diversify their crops. He called for officials and experts to provide proper guidance to farmers and suggested that young farmers be trained for at least 15 days at institutions like the Horticultural Research Institute.

On guarantee schemes

On the welfare schemes of the State, Mr. Kumaraswamy said, “I do not oppose guarantee schemes, but they should not come at the cost of agriculture, which is the lifeline of rural India. Karnataka spends ₹52,000 crore annually on guarantees. If the same amount was invested in agriculture and horticulture for just one year, the sector would undergo a transformation, making Karnataka a model for the entire country.”