On June 24, 2025, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, announced a new initiative called the ‘Crop War’. This initiative aims to improve the production of key crops like sugarcane, pulses, oilseeds, soybean, and cotton. The announcement was made during a review meeting at the ICAR Pusa Campus in New Delhi. The meeting focused on the outcomes of a recent campaign called the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’, which took place from May 29 to June 12. The campaign aimed to enhance agricultural practices across India.
During the meeting, more than 2,170 nodal officers participated, both in person and virtually. They shared key findings and experiences from the campaign. Chouhan described the initiative as a historic movement inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, which connects scientists with over 60,000 villages in India.
The ‘Crop War’ will focus on creating specific strategies tailored to different crops and states. It will prioritize research and enforce stricter regulations against substandard agricultural inputs. Special teams will be formed to ensure compliance with these regulations. This initiative aims to boost farmer incomes and secure food production in India.
Chouhan emphasized the importance of promoting biofortified crops and sustainable farming practices. He also highlighted the need for mechanization in agriculture, improvement of soil health, and better practices in coastal agriculture and animal husbandry.
To support this initiative, the Minister called for strengthening the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). These centers will have dedicated nodal officers to ensure effective communication between scientists and farmers. Furthermore, a two-day conference for the Rabi season is planned. One day will be for officials and the other for agriculture ministers to finalize the action plan for the upcoming season.
Chouhan’s announcement reflects a commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security in India. The campaign also aims to promote knowledge sharing among ICAR institutions and strengthen partnerships with state departments and KVKs. This strategic alignment is crucial for achieving the vision of a developed India in agriculture.
The meeting was attended by various notable figures, including Haryana Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana, Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, and senior officials from ICAR. Their participation signifies a collaborative effort to improve agricultural practices and outcomes across the country.
As India moves forward with this initiative, the focus will remain on connecting farmers with modern techniques and ensuring they receive the necessary support for crop production. The ‘Crop War’ could be a turning point for many farmers in India, providing them with tools and resources to enhance their livelihoods and contribute to national food security.