“Research and innovation are key pillars for effective implementation of schemes in the agriculture sector” – Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan
“Target is to increase the yield of pulses, oilseeds, cotton, and millets along with wheat and rice” – Union Agriculture Minister
29th April 2025, New Delhi
The Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan held a meeting with the Director General and Deputy Director Generals of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) at the NASC Complex, Pusa Campus, New Delhi today.
Shri Chouhan reviewed the ongoing research activities of various ICAR divisions and provided detailed guidance on future strategies. The primary objective of this important meeting was to further strengthen the agricultural research sector of the country under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to introduce innovation in agricultural research, and to promote the effective implementation of current schemes and programs.
The Minister, stressed the development of improved seed varieties to enhance the production and productivity of major crops. He emphasized the promotion of innovation in agriculture and issued necessary directives with a view to achieving promising results in the coming years. Shri Chouhan expressed the need for a scientific approach to enhance pulse production and highlighted the importance of boosting soybean cultivation. He stated that discussions will be held with Chief Ministers and Agriculture Ministers of various states in this direction.
Regarding efforts to conduct soil testing in farmers’ fields, the agriculture minister emphasized that alongside wheat and rice, there is a pressing need to increase the yield of pulses, oilseeds, and coarse grains. He also stressed the correct use of pesticides and said that more research and systematic studies are required in this area. Discussing the value chain from farm to market, Shri Chouhan spoke about the need to organize this chain at the village level and underlined the active role of agricultural committees in the process.
Emphasizing the vital role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), the Union Minister stated that no other institution is more critical in bridging the gap between farmers and scientific advancements. He underscored the urgent need to address performance gaps in underperforming KVKs and to enhance their overall effectiveness. The Minister proposed developing a mechanism to enable KVKs to deliver demand-driven services tailored to farmers' needs. Additionally, he called for greater involvement of women and youth in agricultural extension activities and recommended establishing a robust impact assessment system to evaluate KVK performance. To develop model farms for small and marginal farmers, presentations were made by the Crop Science Division, followed by the Natural Resource Management and Agricultural Extension Divisions. Various topics were deliberated during these presentations.
On this occasion, Shri Chouhan discussed the development of climate-resilient agriculture, the creation of model farms for small farmers, and the arrangement to certify natural farming products in collaboration with state governments.
The meeting was attended by Dr. M.L. Jat, Director General, ICAR all Deputy Director Generals, Assistant Director Generals, and other senior officials.
(Source: ICAR – Directorate of Knowledge Management in Agriculture)
Like on Facebook
Subscribe on Youtube
Follow on X X
Like on instagram