In New Delhi, the 96th Annual General Meeting of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) took place. Union Minister of Agriculture, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, led the meeting. Over 18 Agriculture Ministers from various states and the Union Government attended. They discussed important topics affecting farmers and agriculture. One of the key proposals was to establish ‘Crop Medicine Centres’. These centres would function like Jan Aushadhi Kendras, which provide affordable medicines to the public. The aim is to improve the availability of agricultural inputs for farmers.
Chouhan also mentioned a two-day Rabi Conference. This event will take place under the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’. The first day will focus on planning and the second day will finalize the implementation roadmap with the State Agriculture Ministers. He called for strong cooperation between the Centre and State Governments. Chouhan emphasized that agriculture is primarily a State subject. Therefore, the success of agricultural policies depends on the collaboration of State Governments.
During the meeting, Dr. M.L. Jat, the Director General of ICAR, presented the achievements of ICAR. He shared the ICAR Annual Report for 2024-2025, which highlighted the growth in food grain production. The ministers expressed satisfaction with the progress made in the agriculture sector. They reaffirmed their commitment to work together to support farmers.
Minister Chouhan stressed the importance of adapting agricultural schemes to meet farmers’ needs. He encouraged Ministers to suggest impactful schemes and to phase out outdated ones. Chouhan also highlighted the importance of research in agriculture. He said that research should focus on the specific needs of farmers. This means not only looking at major crops like wheat and rice but also considering soybean, pulses, and oilseeds.
Concerns were raised about seed quality during the meeting. Chouhan pointed out that poor germination rates in soybean fields were linked to substandard seeds. He urged a thorough investigation into these issues and stricter regulations on the use of inferior seeds and fertilizers. He also called for a review of fertilizer pricing policies to ensure they benefit farmers.
Chouhan announced that special meetings on various crops, including cotton and sugarcane, will be organized. A conference on cotton is planned for July 11 in Coimbatore. The goal is to enhance the effectiveness of the Cotton Mission.
The Minister also highlighted the need for practical applications of technology in agriculture. He shared a story about a farmer who needed a device to assess fertilizer quality. Such feedback is crucial for shaping future research agendas. Theoretical knowledge must translate into practical benefits for farmers.
Chouhan expressed confidence in India’s agriculture. He believes that India can become the food basket of the world. He praised the efforts of agricultural scientists and encouraged them to align their research with real-world challenges. He concluded by stating that agriculture is not just a business but a service to the nation. He called for a sustainable approach to development that protects nature while ensuring food security for the growing population.
Overall, the 96th AGM of ICAR was a significant event. It highlighted the commitment of the Indian government to advancing agriculture and supporting farmers. With new initiatives like Crop Medicine Centres and focused research, there is hope for a prosperous future for Indian agriculture.
