Union Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday celebrated the 97th Foundation Day of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in the national capital, calling on scientists to adopt a farmer-first approach in their research and innovation. Speaking at the event held at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium in the NASC Complex, the minister highlighted that India’s agricultural research system must be guided by real challenges on the ground, not just by academic priorities.
The event witnessed the conferring of National Agricultural Science Awards to top scientists, young researchers, women scientists, and innovators across the country. The minister also inaugurated the Viksit Krishi Exhibition, launched 10 agricultural publications, and formalised several new research partnerships through MoUs aimed at strengthening collaboration in agricultural science.
Calling scientists “modern-day rishis,” Chouhan praised their role in powering India’s agricultural success and credited them for the growth that has made the country self-reliant in food production. “This Foundation Day is not just an institutional event, it is a celebration for the entire nation,” he said, adding that ICAR deserves appreciation from both Indian citizens and international partners alike.
He noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's agricultural output has seen record growth. From wheat exports to surplus rice production, the minister said the current output has reached such a level that the government is now planning for expanded storage capacities. “The Cabinet today even discussed building more storage facilities because we’re producing more than ever before,” he said.
Citing historical data, Chouhan said that India’s annual foodgrain production saw a modest rise of 2.7 million tonnes during the Green Revolution era but has now jumped to an average annual increase of 8.1 million tonnes in the past 11 years. This, he said, was a clear indicator of a new agricultural revolution underway. Similarly, he highlighted the significant leap in horticulture and milk production, attributing it to modern techniques and focused research. Milk production, which grew by 4.2 million tonnes per year between 2000 and 2014, is now increasing at a rate of 10.2 million tonnes annually.
Even as the minister celebrated these achievements, he didn’t shy away from acknowledging existing challenges. From climate change and fragmented landholdings to viral crop infestations and livestock diseases, Chouhan said India’s farmers face multiple hurdles. He called for greater adoption of natural farming methods to protect soil health and ensure long-term sustainability, urging scientists to lead this shift through evidence-based research.
The minister was vocal about the need to improve per-hectare yields of pulses and oilseeds, two critical crops for India’s food security. He stressed that targeted research, backed by practical field-level feedback, must drive progress in these areas. He also issued a stern warning against exploitation in the agricultural inputs market, vowing strict action against the sale of substandard seeds, fertilizers, and especially unauthorized bio-stimulants.
Announcing a soon-to-be-launched national toll-free grievance number for farmers, Chouhan said, “No farmer should be fooled into buying something that doesn’t help his field or crop. We will not tolerate fraud of any kind.”
He also proposed the establishment of low-cost fertilizer outlets modeled on the government’s Jan Aushadhi Kendra initiative to make agricultural inputs more affordable for small and marginal farmers. “Since most Indian farmers have small landholdings, we need compact, efficient machinery and accessible inputs, not large-scale tools meant for big farms,” he said.
Discussing the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, Chouhan described it as the world’s largest agriculture-specific outreach initiative, which has led to the identification of over 500 critical research themes. He pointed out that cotton productivity had remained stagnant despite the development of new varieties, largely due to viral diseases that even affect Bt cotton. Similar consultations are now planned for sugarcane and maize.
In a key policy direction, the minister said that future research priorities should no longer be decided solely by institutions in Delhi, but must emerge from what farmers face on the ground. “One team, one goal should be our mantra. Let’s create dedicated scientific teams focused only on farmer needs,” he told the gathering.
The minister also pushed for innovations such as portable fertilizer testing kits and technologies to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. He urged ICAR and the Agriculture Ministry to coordinate closely while signing MoUs, ensuring that pricing and accessibility of seeds and other inputs are farmer-friendly.
Reiterating his support for the scientific community, Chouhan said their work is not just a job but a sacred duty. “This is not employment. This is a yajna, a sacred offering for the betterment of society,” he said in his concluding remarks.
The event was also attended by Union Minister of State for Agriculture Bhagirath Choudhary, Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi, ICAR Director General Dr. M.L. Jat, and senior scientists and officials from across India.
