Shivraj Singh Chouhan asked ICAR to send scientists to farmers' fields

Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the 96^th Indian Council of Agricultural Research Foundation and Technology Day 2024 in New Delhi today. The event showcased significant advancements in agricultural research and technology, emphasizing the importance of scientific integration in farming.

In his address, Shivraj Singh Chouhan pointed out the importance of making India self-reliant in pulses and oilseeds too, the government will give full support for this. He emphasized the need for creating model farms for small-holding farmers. "Agriculture is the soul of the Indian economy and farmers are its backbone," he stated, emphasizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's goal of doubling farmers' incomes. Chouhan highlighted the importance of diversifying agriculture to increase farmers' earnings. He called upon scientists to set and achieve four-year targets, aligning with the Prime Minister's vision of a developed India by 2047.

"ICAR has given 6 thousand varieties. How many of these varieties have reached the land from the lab. We have to work on how much the farmer and the scientist are connected," said Chouhan. He suggested that there are 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras in the country, all scientists should go to the fields for one month a year and teach the farmers. Agricultural universities, scientists and fields should be connected together.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan called for a comprehensive approach where agricultural universities, scientists, and farmers are connected. Highlighting the importance of natural farming and the development of indigenous breeds of animals, Chouhan urged for research focused on increasing production in a sustainable manner. He acknowledged the concerns of climate change and the necessity to integrate technology into agricultural practices. 

The event also included the felicitation of scientists and the release of several ICAR publications, recognizing the contributions of researchers and promoting further agricultural knowledge dissemination. On this occasion, Union Ministers released 25 varieties of crops and dedicated some products to farmers. Vaccine kits for animals and fisheries were released, along with various products made from crop waste were also released. 

Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh highlighted the significant contributions of livestock and fisheries to the gross domestic product. Union Ministers of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Bhagirath Chaudhary, Ram Nath Thakur, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Minority Affairs George Kurien and Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel were also present on the occasion.

Dr Himanshu Pathak, ICAR Director General, acknowledged the council's role in transforming India into a global agri-exporter through technological advancements. The event underscored the collective efforts needed to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability, ensuring the well-being of farmers and the nation's agricultural future.