Union Agriculture Minister Chairs 96th ICAR AGM; Stresses State-Specific Action Plans And Research Driven By Farmers’ Needs

Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan chaired the 96th Annual General Meeting of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, NASC Complex, New Delhi. The high-level meeting was marked by the participation of over 18 Union and State Ministers, reflecting a renewed focus on collaborative and farmer-centric agricultural development.

In his keynote address, Chouhan emphasized the need for crop-wise and state-specific action plans to ensure agricultural progress tailored to regional challenges. “Agriculture is a State subject, and cooperation from State Governments is essential for agricultural development,” the Union Minister said.

He further called for demand-driven research, aligned with the actual needs of farmers rather than top-down bureaucratic processes. He stressed the importance of actionable technology, stating, “Research and technology should serve the needs of farmers directly.”

‘Crop Medicine Centres’ and Cotton Conference Announced

Drawing inspiration from the Jan Aushadhi Kendras, Chouhan proposed the establishment of ‘Crop Medicine Centres’ to make quality agricultural inputs more accessible. He also announced that a cotton-focused conference would be held in Coimbatore on July 11, aiming to revamp the Cotton Mission.

Additionally, the Minister announced a two-day Rabi Conference under the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, focused on developing an actionable roadmap for the upcoming sowing season.

“India Will Become the Food Basket of the World”

Reflecting on India’s transformation from a grain-importing to a grain-exporting nation, Chouhan credited this success to scientific innovations and government interventions. He urged scientists to intensify research in key areas like soybean, pulses, and oilseeds, pointing out real concerns over seed quality and germination rates, especially in states like Madhya Pradesh.

“India’s soil is among the most fertile in the world. I am confident that we will not only ensure food security for our own people but also become the food basket of the world,” he asserted.

Four ICAR publications were released at the event. ICAR Secretary Dr. M.L. Jat presented the Annual Report 2024–25, and the annual accounts for 2023–24 were tabled by Additional Secretary Puneet Agarwal.

Praise and Support for Uttarakhand’s Agriculture Vision

On the sidelines of the AGM, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Shivraj Singh Chouhan to seek support for several agriculture and horticulture schemes worth ₹3,800 crore. The Union Minister gave in-principle approval for these schemes, lauding the state’s innovative efforts in promoting both traditional and modern farming.

The proposals include:

• ₹1,052.80 crore for agricultural fencing to protect crops from wild animals in hilly regions.

• ₹400 crore to establish 10,000 farm machinery banks for small and marginal farmers.

• ₹134.89 crore for the State Millet Mission.

• ₹1,150 crore for strengthening the apple production ecosystem.

• ₹885.10 crore to promote startups and innovation in agriculture and horticulture.

• ₹42 crore for cultivating low-risk crops like dragon fruit.

The Chief Minister also sought assistance for setting up cold storage, sorting, grading units, high-quality nurseries, and a Centre of Excellence for Superfoods including mushrooms and exotic vegetables.

Responding positively, Chouhan assured that Uttarakhand’s agricultural needs will be prioritized, and efforts will be made to provide comprehensive central support for the prosperity of farmers.

A Call for Sustainable Development and Farmer Prosperity

In his concluding remarks, the Union Agriculture Minister said, “Agriculture is not just a business, it is a service to the nation. While the world pursues material development, India must embrace sustainable agriculture that protects nature.”

He praised scientists as modern-day sages, urging them to continue innovating and translating scientific advances into tangible benefits for farmers on the ground.