Union Agriculture Minister Inaugurates ICAR Annual Conference, Calls for Science-Based Agricultural Transformation

New Delhi: Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, today inaugurated the Annual Conference of Vice-Chancellors of Agricultural Universities and Directors of ICAR Institutes at the Dr. C. Subramaniam Auditorium, NASC Complex, Pusa. The event, hosted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), served as a significant platform to outline a forward-looking vision for agricultural transformation in India.

In his address, Chouhan lauded ICAR as the pride of the nation in agricultural research and extension. Stressing the pivotal role of agriculture in building a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India), he emphasized the urgent need to empower farmers—whom he referred to as “equivalent to God”—and improve their livelihoods. “Our farmers nurture the world. Their welfare and prosperity must remain our top priority,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of bringing research from laboratories to the fields, the Union Minister called for the real-time implementation of the “Lab to Land” initiative. He urged Vice-Chancellors to actively contribute to the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, alongside their academic duties, to ensure direct outreach and impact at the grassroots level.

Chouhan outlined a six-point strategic roadmap set by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare to achieve developmental goals: increasing agricultural productivity, reducing the cost of production, ensuring fair prices for produce, compensating for losses due to natural disasters, promoting crop diversification, and enhancing value addition through food processing. He also underlined the importance of promoting natural and organic farming practices to preserve ecological balance and protect Mother Earth.

Reiterating the ministry’s commitment to science-based transformation, the Minister emphasized the integration of modern scientific techniques with traditional farming wisdom. He described the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan as a historic step dedicated to solving farmers’ real issues and announced a padayatra (foot march) scheduled for May 25–26 to connect directly with farmers and understand their ground-level challenges.

“Our national goals include ensuring food security, replenishing national grain reserves, and transforming India into the food basket of the world,” Chouhan declared. “We are one team with one goal—One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team.”

Also addressing the conference, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Bhagirath Choudhary, reiterated that agriculture is the backbone of India, and farmers are its soul. He stressed that India cannot achieve the status of a developed nation unless its farmers are empowered. Calling for urgent action against climate change, he highlighted the need for agriculture to become innovation-driven and research-oriented. He urged participants to ensure that the conference results in actionable outcomes rather than remaining limited to discussions.

Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR), underlined the importance of the conference in determining the future course of agricultural research, education, and extension. He stated that ICAR must assume the role of an elder sibling in the national agricultural education system—mentoring institutions like Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and agricultural universities.

Earlier, Dr. R.C. Agrawal, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Education), ICAR, presented the objectives of the conference in his welcome address, while Sanjay Garg, Additional Secretary (DARE) and Secretary (ICAR), delivered the vote of thanks.