Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy, farmers are the soul of farming - Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan
22nd February 2025, New Delhi
Union Minister of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan inaugurated the 3-day "Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela 2025" organized by the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi today. Shri Ramnath Thakur, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Dr Himanshu Pathak, Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR), Dr Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director, ICAR-IARI, Dr DK Yadava, Deputy Director General (Crop Science) also graced the occasion.
In his speech, Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan emphasized that agriculture is the backbone of India's economy, and the farmer is its heart and soul. He shared that efforts are ongoing in the agricultural sector to fulfill the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. As a farmer himself, he grows pumpkins, capsicum, and tomatoes in his fields. He highlighted that when there is a bumper crop, prices often fall. Additionally, he cultivates flowers, wheat, and paddy. He also mentioned that despite being a minister, he has not distanced himself from his roots, and he makes it a point to visit his farm twice a month.
Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan congratulated ICAR, praising the varieties showcased as a significant achievement, and lauding the scientists for working tirelessly. He outlined a 6-point strategy, starting with increasing production, emphasizing that quality seeds are key. ICAR is focused on developing superior seed varieties, and efforts are being made to ensure they reach farmers. He stressed the need to connect science with farmers, specifically for breeders and foundation seeds. To facilitate this, a "Lab to Land" initiative, called Modern Agriculture Chaupal, has been launched. He directed ICAR to take charge, with the first Chaupal scheduled for next month.
Shri Chouhan informed that on February 24, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will transfer funds to farmers' accounts under the Kisan Samman Nidhi in Bhagalpur. The Minister also shared that the next day, he will visit Makhana producers in Bihar to observe the sowing process. He previously visited betel nut producers and recently toured an integrated farm in Pusa, where fish farming, poultry, and a pond were all managed on a single hectare.
The Agriculture Minister emphasized the need to manage farmers' costs, speaking about the Kisan Credit Card limit that has been raised from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, benefiting fruit and vegetable farmers. He highlighted the third priority: ensuring fair prices for produce. To achieve this, the government has continuously increased the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and will purchase wheat, rice, masoor, urad, and tur puri from farmers. He also spoke about the issue of low prices at the local level, with costs rising as produce reaches cities like Delhi and Mumbai. To address this, the central government will cover transportation costs through NAFED, ensuring farmers receive fair prices. Shri Chouhan mentioned that when soybean prices dropped, the import duty on foreign oil was raised to 27.5%. He accentuated that the ban on rice exports has been lifted, and export duties reduced, aiming to minimize profit margins.
Shri Shivraj Singh invited farmers to share their suggestions, assuring that they would be implemented. He stressed that a developed India is only possible with advanced agriculture. Regarding the new varieties showcased, he promised efforts to make them accessible to farmers quickly. He shared that when he planned initiatives for farmers in Madhya Pradesh, he did so by engaging directly with them. Tomorrow, he will visit lotus seed farms to observe the cultivation process. He also mentioned that scientists would now engage more with the fields. Reflecting on India's progress, he noted that while India once had to import PL 480 wheat from the U.S., today it feeds many countries, thanks to farmers' hard work.
The Union Agriculture Minister honored farmers with "Innovative Farmer" and "Student Farmer" awards for their exemplary adoption of new farming technologies. The fair featured over 300 stalls providing essential information on advanced seeds, organic manure, climate-friendly practices, drone spray technology, smart irrigation, and market linkages, encouraging farmers to embrace innovation and scientific methods to enhance their farming profitability.
Shri Thakur, urged ICAR to demonstrate advanced seeds at the village level through its agricultural universities and other institutions, enabling farmers to gain knowledge and move forward.
Dr Pathak stressed the need to link farmers with science to foster their growth and welfare. He stated that embracing sustainable and organic farming practices not only benefits the environment but also enhances the welfare of farmers.
Dr Rao briefed about the achievements and the ongoing activities of ICAR-IARI.
(Source: ICAR-Directorate of Knowledge Management in Agriculture, New Delhi)
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