Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday said that while India is self-reliant in wheat and rice production, the focus must now be on reducing cultivation costs and boosting per-hectare productivity to make farming more profitable.
Addressing the 64th All India Wheat and Barley Research Workers’ Workshop at Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Agricultural University in Gwalior, Chouhan paid tribute to agricultural scientist Dr. M S Swaminathan in his centenary year, recalling his contribution to India’s food self-sufficiency.
“In the past 10–11 years, wheat production has increased from 86.5 million tonnes to 117.5 million tonnes — a rise of about 44 per cent. While this is remarkable, we must bring our productivity levels closer to the global average,” he said.
The minister underlined that while wheat and rice output is adequate, pulses and oilseeds must see higher production to reduce dependence on imports. He also highlighted the medicinal value of traditional grains like barley and called for their wider promotion.
Chouhan urged agricultural scientists to focus on developing bio-fortified wheat varieties and warned against the harmful impact of excessive fertiliser use on soil health. He also stressed the need for better stubble management and farmer awareness on adopting modern technologies.
“The government is taking strict action against counterfeit fertilisers and pesticides. Licences of companies whose products damaged crops are being cancelled,” he said.
Advocating integrated farming, Chouhan said small and marginal farmers would benefit most from combining agriculture with allied activities like animal husbandry, beekeeping, fisheries, and horticulture.
“This conference is not just a formality but a platform for actionable suggestions that can be turned into a concrete roadmap. Research must reach farmers directly so that the goal of ‘Lab to Land’ can be realised,” he added.