Integrated Farming to Raise Farmers’ Income: Shivraj Chouhan
Agriculture Minister reviews ICAR activities, pushes for climate-focused farm reforms
- Shivraj Singh Chouhan chairs high-level ICAR review meeting
- Focus laid on integrated and sustainable farming practices
- Centre plans state-wise agricultural roadmaps for climate resilience
- Minister stresses low-cost and profitable farming model
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 16th May: Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday said integrated and sustainable farming practices would help increase farmers’ income while protecting the environment during a high-level review meeting of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
The meeting related to the Expenditure Finance Committee of ICAR was held at the minister’s office in New Delhi, where a detailed review of the council’s activities and future roadmap was conducted.
During the meeting, ICAR Director General M. L. Jat briefed the minister on ongoing agricultural programmes and future plans aimed at improving Indian agriculture and supporting farmers across the country.
Chouhan said agriculture remains the primary source of livelihood for a large section of the population and continues to be a strong pillar of the Indian economy.
“All efforts and energies should be directed towards making Indian agriculture more productive, low-cost and profitable,” the minister said.
He stressed the need for large-scale promotion of integrated farming systems and called for practical implementation strategies to encourage farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices.
The Union Minister also highlighted the importance of scientific farming and noted that climate change was visibly affecting agriculture not only in India but across the world.
Keeping changing climatic conditions in mind, Chouhan directed officials to prepare state-wise agricultural roadmaps aligned with the agro-climatic conditions of individual states.
Officials informed the minister that work on separate agricultural roadmaps had already begun for states including Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Rajasthan following requests from state governments.
Expressing satisfaction over ICAR’s action plan, Chouhan asked officials to work with greater urgency and ensure targets are achieved ahead of schedule.
Senior officials of ICAR and the Department of Agricultural Research and Education also attended the meeting.
