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Pooja Srivastava
“Without developed agriculture, the dream of a developed India cannot be realized.” With this powerful assertion, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, set a transformative agenda at the 97th Annual General Meeting of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Pioneering Demand-Driven Research: Shri Chouhan emphasized that Indian agriculture must evolve beyond merely maximizing crop yield. It is time to establish a robust identity extending “from the farm to the global market.” He strongly advocated for a ‘demand-driven’ research ecosystem—one that directly addresses the real-world needs of farmers, current market trends, and modern consumer preferences.
Empowering Small Farmers via Integrated Farming: Highlighting the economic core of agriculture, the Minister stated that the next phase of agricultural growth must laser-focus on boosting farm incomes, especially for small and marginal farmers. He championed ‘Integrated Farming Systems’ (combining agriculture with livestock, fisheries, etc.) alongside timely access to premium seeds, balanced fertilizers, and sustainable soil management.
From Labs to Land: Bridging the Gap: “Research alone is not enough; the right research must reach the farmer quickly,” Shri Chouhan remarked. He called for stronger, action-oriented partnerships between ICAR and private industries to ensure that groundbreaking agricultural technologies swiftly transition from laboratories to actual farmlands.
During the meet, ICAR Director General Dr. M.L. Jat highlighted the council’s stellar achievements, including the release of 386 new crop varieties over the past year, 94% of which are climate-resilient. Joined by State Agriculture Ministers from across the country, the assembly collectively pledged to build a self-reliant agricultural sector, paving the ultimate pathway to a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by 2047.
