Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan Visits KVK Gondia

3 December 2025, Gondia, Maharashtra

Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, visited KVK Gondia today and reviewed the ongoing activities, facilities, and innovative models developed by the centre. He interacted with farmers and scientists, planted saplings to promote environmental conservation, and emphasized the importance of sustainable, organic, and technology driven agriculture for the future of Vidarbha.

The Minister reviewed various demonstration units, including the Bio-fertilizer and Bio-pesticide Unit, and appreciated their role in reducing cultivation costs and improving soil health. He also encouraged farmers to adopt value addition, branding, and market linkage to enhance profitability. During the visit, the Shri Chouhan inaugurated the exhibition organized by KVKs and visited stalls displaying local rice varieties, dairy products, processed food items, organic products, and technical models developed. He highlighted the need for crop diversification, expansion of oilseed and pulse cultivation, and horticulture based farming models.

Dr. D. B. Undirwade, Director, Extension Education, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, highlighted the current crop situation and agricultural challenges of the Vidarbha region, stressing the importance of water conservation, multi-cropping systems, and region-specific technological solutions.

The Senior Scientist and Head of KVK Gondia presented key achievements, including successful diversification models, skill development programmes, and the expansion of oilseed cultivation through Cluster Frontline Demonstrations (CFLDs). KVKs from Bhandara, Sindewahi, Gadchiroli, Wardha, and Nagpur actively contributed to the programme by setting up exhibition stalls, supporting event coordination, and facilitating interactions with farmers. During the session, farmers sought guidance on paddy cultivation, soil health, natural farming, marketing, and value addition.

The Minister addressed each issue and assured farmers of full support from the Government.

(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone VIII, Pune)