From Lab to Land: Ensuring Research Benefits India’s Farmers — Chouhan at CropLife National Conference
28 September 2025, New Delhi: Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, called on the crop protection industry to act ethically and responsibly to protect farmers from substandard pesticides and fertilisers during the CropLife India national conference. Takeaway: Ethical practices in input manufacturing and distribution are critical to farmer trust and long-term business sustainability.
Chouhan highlighted that agricultural exports rose by 10% between April and August, with basmati rice making a global impact. Takeaway: High-quality Indian produce is creating opportunities for exporters and input companies that enable better yields.
The minister stressed “lab-to-land” research delivery, urging industry collaboration with scientists to address real-world challenges like pest outbreaks and crop diseases. Takeaway: Investing in targeted R&D and extension services creates actionable solutions for farmers, strengthening industry relevance.
Chouhan underlined India’s smallholder realities — most farmers operate on two to three acres — contrasting them with large global farms. Takeaway: Products and services must be designed for efficiency and impact on smallholdings, ensuring adoption and loyalty.
Counterfeit and low-quality inputs were flagged as a major concern. Chouhan cited instances of fake fertilisers and pesticides affecting farmers’ profitability. Takeaway: Companies adhering to quality standards gain competitive advantage, while those ignoring ethics risk reputational damage and regulatory action.
The minister also emphasised anticipatory innovation to counter fast-evolving pests and changing agricultural challenges. Takeaway: Proactive product development and predictive technologies are essential for staying ahead in a dynamic market.
Chouhan concluded by reinforcing the industry’s shared responsibility in ensuring food security, farmer welfare, and innovation-driven growth. Takeaway: Collaboration between government, research institutions, and private sector is key to long-term agricultural sustainability and profitability.
Also Read: Tropical Agro Unveils AI – Enabled Tech Tools To Tackle India’s 7 Million Tonnes Fruit Loss Problem
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