Shivraj Singh Urges CSR Push for Agriculture
Union Minister calls on corporate sector to support agri-tech, research, women farmers and rural entrepreneurship through CSR
- CSR investments urged to strengthen agriculture and rural development.
- Chouhan calls for taking agricultural research from labs to farmers.
- Focus on agri-tech startups, women farmers and climate-resilient farming.
- Minister links CSR with Gandhi’s philosophy of trusteeship.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 15th July: Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday called upon the corporate sector to play a greater role in strengthening agriculture and rural development through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), saying the nation’s progress depends on collective efforts beyond government initiatives.
Addressing the ICAR Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Conclave 2026 in New Delhi, the Minister urged industries to adopt the Indian philosophy of trusteeship by dedicating a part of their earnings towards the welfare of farmers, agricultural research and rural communities.
“The nation gives us everything, and we must learn to give back,” Chouhan said, adding that CSR should be seen not merely as a legal obligation but as a moral responsibility towards society.
Emphasising that agricultural innovations should directly benefit farmers, he said research must move from laboratories to fields. He called for greater corporate participation in promoting climate-resilient agriculture, improving soil health, strengthening nutrition security and supporting agricultural skill development.
The Minister highlighted the need to commercialise modern agricultural technologies, citing improved jute fibre extraction techniques as an example of innovations that can significantly benefit farmers if adopted on a larger scale.
Chouhan also stressed the importance of protecting soil health, encouraging balanced use of fertilisers and pesticides, and promoting nutritious, seasonal food as part of sustainable agriculture.
He urged corporate houses to support agri-tech startups, drone pilot training, food processing, agri-business leadership and capacity building for young farmers. Special emphasis was placed on empowering women farmers and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), with initiatives such as Drone Didi identified as catalysts for rural entrepreneurship.
Referring to Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of trusteeship, the Minister said wealth should ultimately serve society and noted that many industrialists had voluntarily contributed to public welfare even before CSR became mandatory.
The conclave brought together corporate leaders, scientists, policymakers and farmer representatives to explore partnerships for advancing agricultural research, innovation and sustainable rural development. Minister of State for Agriculture Ramnath Thakur, Minister of State Bhagirath Choudhary and senior government officials also attended the event.
