Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar addressed the Akhil Mewar Region Jat Mahasabha in Chittorgarh on Sunday, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the societal support that has facilitated progress through reservations.

Reflecting on the Jat reservation movement from 25 years ago, he stated, “I am here 25 years later, and it’s important to remember the significant work that commenced here. The fight for social justice began, leading to reservations for Jats and other castes.”

“This initiative took off in 1999, with many key figures present. I was among them. We laid the groundwork here, on this revered land of Devnagari, Mewar’s Haridwar, and our efforts bore fruit—today, the outcomes can be seen in various administrative services across the country and the state,” Dhankhar noted. He underscored that those who have benefited from these reservations now hold critical positions within the government.

He urged beneficiaries to reflect on their journey, stating, “Never forget the support and sacrifices that enabled us to achieve social justice. Movements related to reservations can instill fear and lead to chaos; however, our movement has been a testament to social justice without disorder or violence.”

Regarding the vital role of farmers, the Vice-President remarked, “Farmers are the backbone of our economy and should strive for self-reliance. When farmers thrive, the entire nation flourishes. They possess both political power and economic potential through their hard work.”

He emphasized that no matter the challenges, the significance of farmers in India’s developmental narrative cannot be overstated. “The current governance system respects the contributions of farmers,” he asserted.

Dhankhar encouraged farmers to utilize the resources available at Agricultural Science Centres, stating, “There are over 730 Agricultural Science Centres ready to assist you. Engage with them—learn about the services available, modern technologies, and government initiatives. The government has numerous resources that you might not be aware of, including the benefits of cooperatives.”

“Regular visits to these centres can awaken enthusiasm among those working there, reinforcing the idea that the providers of food are actively seeking accountability. This accountability can lead to improved quality,” Dhankhar explained.

He further urged farmers to invest in the trade and value addition of their products. “Why aren’t farmers enhancing the value of their goods? Numerous businesses thrive on agricultural produce—flour mills, oil mills, and others. We must work together to ensure farmers focus also on livestock production. I take great pleasure in the growth of dairies and believe there is ample opportunity for expansion in this sector.”

He also appealed to youth, particularly the children of farmers, to explore agricultural business opportunities. “Agricultural production is a vital and valuable trade. I urge farmers to take charge of their products. Our youth are talented; my request is for more farmers to engage with cooperatives, diversify their activities, and fully invest in agricultural production ventures, which will yield positive long-term economic outcomes.”