Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, inaugurated the annual conference of directors of ICAR institutes and vice-chancellors of agricultural universities today, May 20, 2025, at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, NASC Complex, PUSA Campus, New Delhi. Organised by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the conference is being held under the theme “Convergence for Action: Shaping Agricultural Research, Education and Extension for Viksit Bharat@2047.”
The event brings together key policymakers, researchers, and academic leaders to deliberate on reforms needed to modernize and strengthen India's agricultural research and education systems. Shivraj Singh Chouhan also chaired a high-level panel discussion on reimagining the National Agricultural Research System (NARS), focusing on aligning it with India’s long-term development goals.
In his address, the Union Minister said ICAR is the pride of the nation in agricultural research and extension. He emphasized that achieving the goal of a developed India requires advancing agriculture and empowering farmers. Referring to farmers as divine nurturers of the world, he said ensuring their welfare is a national duty.
Chouhan called on vice-chancellors to actively support the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, stressing that real-time implementation of the "Lab to Land" model is crucial. He 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 Minister highlighted that agricultural diversification and ecological responsibility must go hand in hand. He stated that the ministry's focus is to blend scientific innovation with traditional practices. Calling the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan a historic movement, he announced a padayatra on May 25–26 to directly engage with farmers and understand their concerns. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to food security, grain reserves, and becoming the food basket of the world, declaring, “One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team.”
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, and Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Bhagirath Choudhary, also addressed the conference. Choudhary stressed that agriculture is India’s backbone and farmers its soul. He said the vision of a developed India depends on empowering farmers and addressing climate change through collective action. He urged participants to translate discussions into real-world policy, innovation, and implementation.
The conference features three sessions: one on transforming NARS, another on reorienting agricultural education, and an expert session on integrating research, education, and extension. Attendees include members from NITI Aayog, former ICAR Director Generals, vice-chancellors, and scientific leaders.
Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR), noted that ICAR must play a leadership role, guiding institutions like Krishi Vigyan Kendras and universities. Dr. R.C. Agrawal, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Education), presented the conference objectives, and Sanjay Garg, Additional Secretary (DARE) and Secretary (ICAR), delivered the vote of thanks.
Distinguished participants from NITI Aayog, former Directors General of ICAR, vice-chancellors, and deputy directors general from various scientific disciplines are attending the event. Their insights are expected to contribute to building a resilient and future-ready agricultural ecosystem. The day concluded with a valedictory session and the presentation of key recommendations to shape the future course of Indian agriculture.
