India Building Integrated Farming Model to Boost Farmers’ Income: Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh

30 August 2025, New Delhi: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan on Friday visited various Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) institutions in Bengaluru and reviewed their ongoing activities. During his visit, he interacted directly with farmers, livestock keepers, agri-entrepreneurs, startups, scientists, and other stakeholders. The Minister asserted that India will no longer remain dependent on others, emphasizing that the nation’s priority is the welfare of its farmers.

Shivraj Singh highlighted that the government is creating an integrated farming model to increase farmers’ income. He warned that the excessive use of pesticides poses a serious threat to beneficial insects, soil, and human health, adding that biological methods will be promoted to reduce pesticide usage. He also assured livestock keepers that early warnings on animal diseases would be provided so that preventive measures and vaccinations can be undertaken in time.

The Minister reviewed the activities of ICAR’s National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI), where he underlined the importance of disease forecasting and prevention in livestock health management. He noted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India is moving forward rapidly and will not compromise on farmers’ interests. “No global force can dictate to us. For us, national interest and farmers’ welfare are paramount,” he stated.

Integrated Farming for Better Income

Minister Shivraj Singh explained that to improve farmers’ livelihoods, reliance on just one or two crops must be avoided. He encouraged cultivation of rice, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, fruits, flowers, and medicinal plants along with livestock rearing. This diversified model, he said, would help farmers increase their earnings and achieve financial stability.

Preventing Livestock Diseases through Data & Vaccination

He noted that animal diseases are one of the biggest challenges in livestock farming. With the help of data analysis, disease outbreaks can be predicted based on weather and seasonal conditions. This information is shared with state governments, enabling timely vaccination drives to prevent disease spread. According to the Minister, such initiatives have already helped control foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and similar outbreaks, reducing the risk by up to 95%.

Concern Over Indiscriminate Pesticide Use

The Agriculture Minister also visited the National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (NBAIR) and reviewed its work on biological pest control. He praised NBAIR’s technologies and stressed the need to rapidly develop and deliver farmer-friendly solutions, especially to smallholders. Expressing concern over the indiscriminate use of pesticides and rising pest challenges in Bt cotton, such as the pink bollworm, he urged for wider adoption of sustainable biological control measures.

During a farm visit, Shivraj Singh observed intercropping of coconut, papaya, banana, and ginger. Farmer Shriram, who hosted the visit, showcased a special banana variety ‘Nanjangud Rasabale,’ which is low in sugar and suitable for diabetic patients. Acknowledging that this unique banana variety has recently been affected by viral infections, the Minister announced that a special team of agricultural scientists would be deployed to ensure its protection and to safeguard farmers’ livelihoods.

Also Read: KisanKraft Marks 20 Years of Service to Small Farmers in India

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