Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, inaugurated the Annual Conference of Vice-Chancellors of Agricultural Universities and Directors of ICAR Institutes at the Dr. C. Subramaniam Auditorium, NASC Complex, Pusa, New Delhi. The event was announced through an official statement by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare on Tuesday.
Addressing the gathering, Chouhan lauded the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) as the pride of the nation in research and extension, and underscored the critical role of agriculture in realizing the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). “Farmers are equivalent to God. They nurture the world and deserve our utmost respect and support,” he said.
The minister urged Vice-Chancellors to play a proactive role in the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, aligning academic activities with real-time agricultural transformation. Emphasizing the immediate implementation of the “Lab to Land” initiative, Chouhan outlined a six-point strategy of the ministry aimed at agricultural advancement. These include: enhancing productivity, reducing production costs, ensuring fair prices, compensating for natural calamities, encouraging diversification, and promoting value addition and food processing.
He also highlighted the importance of natural and organic farming, calling agricultural diversification and environmental stewardship collective responsibilities. “Science-based transformation integrated with traditional practices is our path forward,” he added. As part of this mission, Chouhan announced a padayatra (foot march) on May 25–26 to directly interact with farmers and understand their challenges.
“Our collective goal is to ensure national food security and establish India as the global food basket. We are one team with one mantra — One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team,” he said.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Bhagirath Choudhary, also addressed the conference, emphasizing that agriculture is the backbone of the country and that empowering farmers is essential for a developed India. He called for innovation-driven and research-oriented approaches in agriculture and urged participants to move beyond dialogue to action in policymaking and implementation.
Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR), highlighted the strategic significance of the conference in guiding the future of agricultural research, education, and extension. He emphasized ICAR’s role as a mentor to institutions like Krishi Vigyan Kendras and agricultural universities.
