Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Thursday said strict measures have been initiated against uncertified bio-stimulants and spurious fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides that affect farmers. Of nearly 30,000 bio-stimulant products sold in the market, only 600 have been certified after three levels of verification by ICAR, Minister noted.
Chouhan was speaking at the ‘Karmchari Sankalp Sammelan’ held on August 21, 2025, in New Delhi. He urged government employees to contribute meaningfully to nation-building and suggested renaming the annual gathering as the ‘Karmayogi Sankalp Sammelan’ from next year. “Every employee and officer plays a crucial role and deserves respect and dignity,” he said.
Union Minister also highlighted the role of Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development in India’s growth, pointing to the success of ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ for the Kharif season. Over 2,170 teams of scientists visited villages, interacted with farmers, and generated more than 500 research themes, marking a major milestone in agricultural development.
Chouhan said that while India’s food stocks are abundant, production of pulses, oilseeds, and cotton still needs attention, alongside efforts to promote natural farming.
On rural livelihoods, he noted that under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM), nearly 2.8 crore women have become Lakhpati Didis, close to the government’s target of three crore, with some achieving millionaire status. He also cited rapid progress in rural housing, with homes being built in a record 114 days, along with significant development in rural roads and infrastructure.
Stressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for a government “visible in people’s lives, not just in files,” Chouhan urged employees to dedicate themselves to public service while balancing personal and family life. He encouraged officials to work with energy, joy, and commitment, and to maximize the use of indigenous products to create employment and strengthen the economy.
Union Minister of State Bhagirath Choudhary, Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi, Rural Development Secretary Shailesh Kumar Singh, and ICAR Director General Dr. M.L. Jat were present at the event, along with officials from both ministries.
