New Delhi, 7 July 2025 — Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, presided over the 96th Annual General Meeting of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, NASC Complex, New Delhi. In a landmark gathering, over 18 Union and State Agriculture Ministers came together to review agricultural progress and discuss future strategies for India’s farming sector.

The meeting reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring farmer prosperity, food and nutritional security, and sustainable agriculture, with special emphasis on state-specific planning, technological integration, and institutional reforms.

A Vision for State-Centric Agriculture: “Cooperation is Key”

Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized that agriculture remains a State subject under the Constitution, hence collaboration with State Governments is essential for impactful development. He called for crop-wise, state-specific action plans that address regional needs, and invited State Ministers to share constructive feedback on which central schemes should be continued, phased out, or redesigned.

Quoting the Minister:

“We cannot build a Viksit Bharat without Viksit Krishi. Agriculture is not just an occupation; it is service to the nation.”

Strategic Crop Conferences and New Institutional Models

Shri Chouhan announced that a series of crop-specific meetings are underway, including a comprehensive review of soybean in Indore. Upcoming conferences will focus on cotton (11 July in Coimbatore) and sugarcane, among others, to assess challenges and streamline policies for individual crops.

A major proposal shared by the Minister was the concept of ‘Crop Medicine Centres’, modeled after Jan Aushadhi Kendras, to provide affordable agro-inputs like fertilizers, seeds, and pest control measures, aiming to reduce farmer input costs and boost productivity.

ICAR Report and Scientific Contributions Recognized

The ICAR Annual Report 2024–25 was presented by Dr. M.L. Jat, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR). He lauded the scientific community for major advancements in agricultural technologies and research. Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan applauded these contributions, referring to scientists as the “modern-day sages” whose innovations are critical for India’s agricultural future.

He, however, cautioned that lab-based innovations must be practically applicable, citing a farmer’s request for a device to assess fertilizer quality as an example of ground-level demand that should guide scientific inquiry.

Research Gaps, Regulation, and Fertilizer Pricing Under Scrutiny

Expressing concern over reports of poor-quality soybean seeds, the Minister called for urgent investigation and strict regulation against substandard seeds and agrochemicals. He also recommended a review of fertilizer pricing policies, urging policymakers to ensure affordability without compromising soil health.

In addition to cereals like wheat and rice, the Minister urged more research into oilseeds, pulses, and soybean, to boost India’s self-reliance and reduce import dependence.

Upcoming Rabi Conference & Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan

Shri Chouhan also announced a two-day Rabi Conference to be held before the next sowing season under the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan. The first day will be dedicated to planning, while the second day will focus on finalizing implementation strategies with State Agriculture Ministers.

India’s Aspiration: A Global Food Basket

Looking at India’s rising stature in global agriculture, the Minister reflected on the nation’s journey from being a net importer of food grains to becoming a net exporter, crediting the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the dedication of Indian farmers.

“India’s soil fertility is unmatched. I’m confident that we won’t just feed our own nation, but we’ll feed the world.”

He added that building a Viksit Bharat by 2047 requires prosperous farmers and sustainable agriculture, and emphasized India’s responsibility to maintain a balance between development and environmental preservation.

Minister’s Ground Visits and Real-Time Insights

Shri Chouhan shared details of his ongoing visits to farms across the country—from apples and saffron in Kashmir to sugarcane in Uttar Pradesh and areca nut in Karnataka—to gather first-hand knowledge and build strategic responses.

He reiterated that real-world engagement, not just policy-making from behind desks, is essential for achieving agricultural goals.

Conclusion: Agriculture as Nation-Building

The 96th ICAR AGM marked a pivotal moment in India’s agriculture roadmap. With ministers united in vision and resolve, a strong emphasis was laid on cooperative federalism, scientific innovation, and sustainable growth. Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan concluded:

“Agriculture is not merely an economic activity—it is a sacred duty. We must preserve our soil, feed our people, and contribute to global food security, all while respecting nature.”

He called upon agricultural scientists and policymakers to maintain momentum and align efforts with real-world farmer needs, ensuring that Viksit Krishi becomes the backbone of Viksit Bharat.

For more details, check press release on PIB website.

For more real-time updates, visit Channel 6 Network.