Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan has successfully bridged the gap between scientific research and grassroots farming, paving the way for a more sustainable, profitable, and export-oriented Indian agriculture sector.
Speaking at the Farmers Conclave in Bardoli in Gujarat on the occasion of the culmination of Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, he underscored the central government’s ambitious roadmap for India’s agricultural renaissance. Speaking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, Chouhan emphasised the integration of scientific research with grassroots farming practices under the “Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan,” as a key part of the broader “Viksit Bharat” initiative.
Highlighting the six-pillar strategy of the central government to transform agriculture, the Minister reiterated the Centre’s resolve to make India not just self-reliant but a global food basket.
The Minister lauded Gujarat’s leadership in agriculture, particularly its success in natural farming and crop diversification. Citing examples such as record output in castor, groundnut, and cumin, Mr. Chouhan said Gujarat is setting a benchmark for others. The Minister revealed the government’s ambitious aim to bring 7.5 lakh hectares of land under chemical-free farming nationwide this year, with participation from 18 lakh farmers. The Minister stressed that the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan is only the beginning of a continuous movement.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan benefited over 4 lakh farmers in the state. He stressed agriculture’s pivotal role in achieving the vision of a Developed India.
During the programme, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan virtually inaugurated several Centres of Excellence, including centres for horticultural crops in Porbandar, bananas and vegetables in Petlad, and a primary processing centre for farmers in Kutch and 14 crop storage godowns. A foundation stone was also laid for the creation of the Centre of Excellence for sugarcane in Bardoli.
