Shivraj Singh Chouhan Walks into Fields, Talks Directly with Farmers

01 June 2025, New Delhi: The nationwide enthusiasm for the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ continues to gain momentum. On the third day of this ambitious agricultural initiative, Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reached out directly to farmers in Haryana’s Panipat district to understand their challenges and share a vision for progressive farming.

The minister met farmers at Arya PG College, GT Road, where a public gathering was organized. The event witnessed the presence of Haryana’s Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana, Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda, Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and DG of ICAR, local dignitaries, and officers from Haryana’s agriculture department.

“A Farm Visit Makes a Program Complete”

Before addressing the crowd, Minister Chouhan took time to walk through the fields, engaging directly with local farmers. He interacted with Rampratap, a farmer growing diverse varieties of watermelons—including red, yellow, and orange—which he praised for their taste and innovation. The minister emphasized how combining watermelon cultivation with wheat farming could be a profitable and modern approach for Indian agriculture. “A program for farmers is incomplete without visiting the field,” he said. “Talking to farmers like Rampratap today and seeing their innovations gives me hope that India’s future in farming is bright.”

Farmers are the Soul of India’s Economy

Chouhan declared that the essence of his role as Agriculture Minister is to be among farmers, listen to them, and offer real solutions. “Agriculture remains the backbone of India’s economy, and the farmer is its soul,” he said emotionally. “Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi entrusted me with this responsibility, farming has become a part of my every breath.”

“I am a farmer’s son. I drive tractors, I sow crops. Without farmers, India’s identity is incomplete,” he said. Drawing inspiration from Indian leaders, he echoed, “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan”, emphasizing that both soldiers and farmers are the twin pillars of the nation.

A Strong Message on Water Rights

Addressing historical injustices, Minister Chouhan thanked PM Modi for suspending the Indus Water Treaty, calling it unfair to Indian farmers. He highlighted how 80% of river water was given to Pakistan under the treaty while Indian farmers suffered. “Now, this water will flow into our fields—particularly in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal, and Jammu & Kashmir,” he said, promising that the water would be used to irrigate Indian lands and empower farmers.

Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan: Bridging Labs to Lands

The Union Minister elaborated on the core aim of the Abhiyan: connecting farmers with scientists. He announced that 2,170 teams of over 16,000 agricultural scientists are visiting villages to share practical solutions with farmers. “This is a ‘Lab to Land’ movement where scientific knowledge meets soil,” he said.

In Haryana alone, 55 teams are engaging with villages, offering insights into balanced fertilizer use, improved crop varieties, and methods to increase productivity while preserving soil health. He encouraged farmers to interact with these experts: “Ask them questions. Share your problems. Even a 1 quintal increase per acre in yield during this Kharif season can result in an additional 20 million tonnes of foodgrain.”

New Paddy Varieties Promise Higher Yields, Less Water

Highlighting scientific progress, the minister shared that two newly developed rice varieties can increase yield by 30%and reduce water usage by 20%. “Such innovations must reach farmers in real time. That is the very purpose of this Abhiyan,” he said.

Promoting Natural and Balanced Farming

The minister urged farmers to adopt balanced fertilizer practices and explore natural farming, noting that both are essential to ensuring sustainable and profitable agriculture. “Our scientists will guide you in keeping your soil healthy while maintaining high productivity,” he added.

A Call to Farmers: Participate Actively

In his concluding remarks, Chouhan appealed to farmers to take full advantage of the scientific outreach: “When scientists visit your village, do not miss the opportunity. Sit with them, learn, and ask. Together, we will change the future of Indian farming.”

With this farmer-first approach, the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan is not just a government program—it is a movement to empower India’s annadata (food providers) and make India a global food basket.

Also Read: National Roundtable Calls for Urgent National Policy on Weed Management to Safeguard Food Security

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