Annual Conference for Directors and Vice-Chancellors from Agricultural Universities Kick-Off, Led by Shivraj Singh Chouhan

India's Agricultural Modernization: Union Minister Chouhan Unveils Six-Point Strategy

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the annual conference of ICAR institutes and agricultural universities on May 20, 2025, at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, NASC Complex, PUSA Campus, New Delhi. The event, organized by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) under the theme "Convergence for Action: Shaping Agricultural Research, Education and Extension for Viksit Bharat@2047," aimed to discuss reforms needed to modernize and strengthen India's agricultural research and education systems.

In his address, Chouhan emphasized that ICAR is the pride of the nation in agricultural research and extension. He reaffirmed India's commitment to food security, grain reserves, and becoming the food basket of the world. Chouhan outlined a six-point strategy for agricultural development, including raising productivity, reducing production costs, ensuring fair prices, disaster compensation, crop diversification, and promoting food processing and natural farming.

The conference consisted of three sessions: one on transforming National Agricultural Research System (NARS), another on reorienting agricultural education, and an expert session on integrating research, education, and extension. The day concluded with a valedictory session and the presentation of key recommendations to shape the future course of Indian agriculture.

Chouhan's six-point strategy appears to emphasize elements such as Lab to Land Vision, Farmer Engagement and Outreach, Income Growth via Mechanisation and Efficient Water Use, Crop Diversification and Natural Farming, Livestock Development and Dairy Farming, and Climate Resilience and Sustainable Practices. These points encapsulate Minister Chouhan's overarching approach to agricultural development reflected in his speeches and initiatives around 2025.

The Minister called on vice-chancellors to actively support the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan. Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR), highlighted the need for ICAR to guide institutions like Krishi Vigyan Kendras and universities. Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, addressed the conference.

Attendees included members from NITI Aayog, former ICAR Director Generals, vice-chancellors, and scientific leaders. Distinguished participants from NITI Aayog, former Directors General of ICAR, vice-chancellors, and deputy directors general from various scientific disciplines were in attendance.

In related news, the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan campaign to modernize farming will begin on May 29, as announced by Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Furthermore, Chouhan announced a padayatra on May 25-26 to directly engage with farmers and understand their concerns.

Sanjay Garg, Additional Secretary (DARE) and Secretary (ICAR), delivered the vote of thanks. Chouhan declared "One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team." Dr. R.C. Agrawal, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Education), presented the conference objectives. Shivraj Singh Chouhan chaired a high-level panel discussion on reimagining the National Agricultural Research System (NARS).

The conference culminated in a call for collective action to empower farmers and address climate change. Choudhary, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, emphasized the importance of these efforts in shaping the future of Indian agriculture.