Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today urged vice chancellors, professors, and students to join the nationwide campaign, Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, which is scheduled to commence on the 29th of this month. Addressing the conference of vice chancellors of agricultural universities and directors of Indian Council of Agricultural Research(ICAR) institutes in New Delhi, the Minister added that the primary focus of the government is to promote science-based agricultural transformation. Calling ICAR the temple of agriculture, Mr. Chouhan said that the direction of research will be decided based on the farming of the farmers and their needs. He stressed a few areas that need to be looked at; these include increased production, reduction of production cost, diversification of farming, and sustainable agriculture. He added that the joint effort of central, state, and agricultural institutions across the nation will help in the growth of the agricultural sector of the country and will pave the way for making India the food basket of the world.

The annual conference was organised by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research under the theme Convergence for Action: Shaping Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension for Viksit Bharat@2047. The event brought together key policymakers, thought leaders, and academic experts who deliberated on strategic reforms needed to strengthen India’s agricultural innovation ecosystem.