Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan: Driving India’s Growth with PM Modi’s Vision for a ‘Viskit Bharat’

New Delhi: Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan met with farmers in Punjab to discuss crops and production. He emphasized the importance of agriculture in the Indian economy, stating that it accounted for 18% of the nation’s GDP, employing around 50% of the population. “In the last quarter, agriculture contributed to a growth rate of 7.5%, which is significant,” he noted.

Chouhan outlined the government’s key priorities: ensuring food security for 1.45 billion people, providing nutritious food, and making farming more profitable. He highlighted India’s change in food production, stating, “We went from relying on low-quality imports to producing and exporting high-quality wheat and rice.” Indian basmati rice, for instance, is now highly sought after in international markets. However, he stressed the need for further improvements in farmers’ livelihoods and agriculture as a whole.

To boost production while lowering costs, Chouhan pointed out the importance of using high-quality seeds. He urged scientists at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to focus on heat-resistant seeds to adapt to changing climate conditions. He also called for the adoption of research-based farming methods that embrace modern technology. “We have machines for everything now, from planting to harvesting. These innovations save both time and labor,” he said.

Recent statistics show that modern agricultural practices can increase yield by 30% or more. Chouhan observed techniques used in countries like Brazil and emphasized that while these practices might be effective, adjustments are necessary for Indian farms, which are typically smaller than those abroad. As farming evolves, it calls for decisive actions and practical solutions to ongoing challenges.

This evolving landscape of agriculture in India reflects broader trends in global food production. The FAO recently reported that innovative farming techniques could significantly boost global food security, showcasing a growing interest in sustainable practices worldwide. In this context, the focus on quality seeds and modern machinery is not just a national priority but a part of a global movement toward smarter agriculture.

Farmer reactions on social media have been mixed, with many expressing hope for government initiatives, while some urge for quicker implementation of new technologies. Ultimately, agriculture remains a vital component of life in India, and efforts to innovate and adapt will shape its future.

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PUNJAB, AGRICULTURE, FOOD SECURITY, SHIVRAJ SINGH CHOUHAN, CHOUHAN ALSO CALLED FOR RESEARCH-BASED AND CLIMATE-ADAPTED FARMING