Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for prudent use of resources as a “great national mission for the reconstruction of the nation”, and announced a series of measures aimed at promoting austerity, indigenous products and administrative efficiency.
Chairing a high-level meeting at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi with senior officials from the Agriculture Ministry, ICAR and Rural Development departments, Chouhan said the Prime Minister’s message should be implemented in both letter and spirit as it serves the “larger national interest”.
He said PM Modi is a leader who “first tests himself on every standard before making an appeal to the people”, adding that the government’s focus must remain on long-term national development.
As part of the measures, the minister said he has reduced the size of his official convoy to just three vehicles and urged officials to minimise unnecessary foreign travel, suggesting that most meetings be conducted virtually.
Chouhan also directed departments to adopt work-from-home or hybrid models wherever possible without affecting efficiency, and promote greater use of e-office systems and video conferencing.
He further advised officials and employees to discourage unnecessary purchase of gold and encourage at least five others to do the same, as part of a broader push towards simplicity and responsible consumption.
On lifestyle and consumption habits, the minister said domestic tourism should be promoted over foreign travel, and stressed greater use of indigenous products under the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative. He also called for increased use of public transport, including metro rail, and electric vehicles.
Chouhan announced that a ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ will be launched to promote balanced use of chemical fertilisers and encourage natural and organic farming practices. He warned that excessive fertiliser use is harming soil health and reducing fertility.
He said 1,657 ICAR-led teams have been formed to train farmers at the village level, and ‘Khet Bachao Committees’ are being established across villages to spread awareness.
The minister added that more than 18 lakh farmers are already practicing natural farming across over 8 lakh hectares, and the government aims to expand organic and natural farming to 25 per cent of agricultural land.
Chouhan also said he would write to public representatives urging them to adopt natural farming on at least 25 per cent of their land holdings.
Officials were directed to prepare a detailed action plan to implement the initiatives, with the Agriculture and Rural Development ministries expected to lead by example in promoting sustainability and austerity.
