Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday unveiled a roadmap for ‘Viksit Krishi and Samruddh Kisan’ as a key pillar of Viksit Bharat 2047, announcing a series of initiatives aimed at making Indian agriculture more climate-resilient, technology-driven and globally competitive.
Addressing the 98th Foundation Day celebrations of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in New Delhi, Chouhan set targets to develop 100 Climate Smart Villages, extend ICAR technologies to 100 million farmers, launch the ‘One Institute-One Grand Innovation’ initiative, establish an ICAR Open Digital Knowledge Platform, strengthen laws against counterfeit seeds and pesticides, and generate ₹10,000 crore in internal resources by 2029 through technology commercialisation.
Calling farmers “the soul of agriculture” and scientists “its brain”, the minister said India’s agricultural transformation would be driven by the combined efforts of government policies, farmers’ hard work and scientific innovation.
He also announced the regularisation of services of more than 150 ICAR employees, describing it as the correction of a long-pending injustice.
Highlighting India’s achievements in foodgrain, horticulture, milk and fisheries production, Chouhan said the next phase of agricultural growth should prioritise quality over quantity to improve public health and enhance India’s competitiveness in global markets.
Referring to challenges posed by climate change and El Niño, he called for faster adoption of climate-resilient farming, district-specific planning and better agricultural risk management. He added that India’s expanding access to international markets made it essential to produce high-quality, export-oriented agricultural products.
Seven major goals
The minister outlined seven major priorities for ICAR over the coming years:
-Develop 100 Climate Smart Villages before ICAR’s centenary to demonstrate climate-resilient agriculture, integrated farming, water conservation and risk-reduction models.
-Launch the ‘One Institute-One Grand Innovation’ initiative, with every ICAR institute delivering at least one transformational innovation—such as a crop variety, vaccine, digital tool or climate-smart solution—within the next two years.
-Extend ICAR technologies, scientific innovations and modern agricultural solutions to 100 million farmers by ICAR’s 100th Foundation Day.
-Launch ‘Mission ICAR-100’ to transform Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) into innovation hubs, climate advisory centres, startup support centres and farmer technology demonstration centres, along with a nationwide outreach programme covering at least 100 villages per KVK.
-Establish an ICAR Open Digital Knowledge Platform to provide farmers free access to scientific advisories, crop guidance, soil testing information, weather forecasts and market updates through mobile phones.
-Strengthen legal provisions against counterfeit seeds and pesticides while developing simple field-level technologies to help farmers verify the quality of agricultural inputs.
-Generate ₹10,000 crore in internal resources by 2029 through commercialisation of ICAR technologies, crop varieties, vaccines and licensing, while continuing government support.
During the event, Chouhan released 43 new crop varieties, 17 technologies and products, and 14 publications covering high-yielding and disease-resistant crops, nutrient-rich varieties, livestock and fisheries vaccines, and digital agricultural solutions.
He said indigenous vaccines, improved crop varieties and advanced technologies would strengthen India’s self-reliance in seeds, fertilisers and animal health.
More than 70 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and technology licensing agreements were also signed to accelerate the transfer of ICAR innovations to farmers through partnerships with private companies and startups.
Describing scientific research as a national mission, Chouhan urged scientists to dedicate themselves to fulfilling farmers’ aspirations. Drawing inspiration from the teachings of Lord Krishna, he said an ideal worker should be enthusiastic, patient, free from ego and capable of working collectively.
He expressed confidence that the combined efforts of scientists, farmers and policymakers would help realise the vision of Viksit Krishi and Samruddh Kisan by 2047.
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Ministers of State Ramnath Thakur, Bhagirath Choudhary and S.P. Singh Baghel, ICAR Director General M.L. Jat, and senior officials also attended the event. Scientists, students and members of the agricultural community from ICAR institutes, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and agricultural universities across the country participated virtually.
