TFP Bureau, New Delhi, June 13, 2024: Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, held an in-depth meeting with senior officials of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education. The discussion centered on strategic agricultural research plans aimed at enhancing productivity, increasing farmers’ incomes, and reducing production costs.
During the meeting, Chouhan emphasized the importance of evaluating the effectiveness of the 113 research institutes under the ministry.
“We must assess the impact and efficiency of our research network to ensure it meets its intended goals. If there are gaps, a detailed report should be submitted,” he stated. Chouhan stressed the need for setting and achieving clear targets for 2026, 2027, and ultimately 2047, to drive a new agricultural revolution.
Chouhan highlighted the disparity in productivity between irrigated and non-irrigated areas, particularly in Jharkhand, and called for a campaign to balance productivity across regions. He directed officials to focus on research that increases productivity and income for farmers while reducing production costs. The promotion of bio-fortified crop varieties among farmers was also underscored.
The meeting was attended by Union Ministers of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Ram Nath Thakur and Bhagirath Chaudhary, Agriculture Secretary Manoj Ahuja, and Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
