Agricultural revolution has taken place under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri NarendraModi-Shri Shivraj Singh ChouhanUnion Agriculture Minister stated – “Scientists are the modern-day Rishis who value othersmore than themselves.Over the past 11 years, there has been continuous growth in food grains, horticulture, and milk production: Shri Chouhan.There is a need to increase the production of pulses and oilseeds; scientists must undertake focused research: Shri Shivraj Singh ChouhanThe Minister stated that through the ‘ViksitKrishiSankalpAbhiyan’, 500 research topics have emerged, which will be seriously pursued.We will prioritize designing smaller agricultural machines tailored to the needs of marginal farmers: Shri ChouhanCheating farmers will not be tolerated; forcing them to buy non-essential products will not be allowed: Shri Chouhan
Union Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Minister, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, attended the 97th Foundation Day celebration of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, NASC Complex, Pusa, New Delhi today. On this occasion, he conferred the National Agricultural Science Awards to outstanding scientists across various categories, including women scientists, young researchers, and innovators. He also inaugurated the ‘ViksitKrishi Exhibition’, showcasing cutting-edge agricultural technologies and innovations, released 10 new agricultural publications, and launched several MoUs to strengthen research collaborations.
The event was attended by Shri BhagirathChoudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Framer’s Welfare; Shri DeveshChaturvedi, Secretary, MoA&FW; Dr. M.L. Jat, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR), along with Directors of various Indian agricultural research institutes from across the country, senior officials, scientists, and a large number of farmers.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan extended his regards to the entire ICAR team on behalf of all citizens of India. The Union Minister said that ICAR also deserves congratulations on behalf of the countries with which it has signed agreements and those to which Indian agricultural products are being exported. He further added that ICAR is worthy of gratitude from the 800 million people in India who receive food grains through the public distribution system. He emphasized that ICAR’s Foundation Day is a matter of great pride and should be celebrated as a festival.
farmers’ demands. He emphasized that since most Indian farmers operate on small landholdings, there is a greater need for compact, efficient machinery rather than large-scale equipment. He also called for research focused on extending the shelf life of perishable agricultural produce and stressed that farmer-identified challenges must guide the research agenda. While signing MoUs, he stated that it is essential to ensure that partnering companies offer seeds and inputs at fair and affordable prices. He urged ICAR and the Department of Agriculture to work in close coordination on these issues.Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan urged them to report any instances of fraud through a toll-free helpline, which will be officially launched soon. He assured that any kind of deception against farmers will not be tolerated, and strict action will be taken against those found selling substandard seeds or fertilizers. Referring to the unregulated sale of over 30,000 bio-stimulants, he highlighetd that decisive steps have already been taken, and letters have been sent to Chief Ministers of all States and Union Territories urging prompt action. He firmly reiterated that no farmer should be coerced into purchasing unnecessary or non-beneficial products.The Minister also proposed exploring the idea of setting up affordable fertilizer outlets, similar to Jan AushadhiKendras that provide low-cost medicines to the public.Concluding his address, Shri Chouhan urged scientists to reaffirm their commitment to farmer welfare on the occasion of ICAR’s Foundation Day. He remarked that scientists do not merely work for a livelihood their lives are akin to a sacred offering (yajna), devoted to the service of society. Expressing full confidence in their capabilities, he encouraged them to continue contributing meaningfully to the vision of a developed India.
