Shivraj Singh Chouhan, is leading the ongoing Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA), launched on 29 May 2025 from Puri, Odisha. The 15-day national campaign, concluding on 12 June, aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and grassroots agriculture by reaching over 1.5 crore farmers across 700+ districts with the support of 16,000 agricultural scientists and 2,170 interdisciplinary teams.
Major Highlights of the Minister’s Visits
1. Bhubaneswar, Odisha (29 May 2025)
Shri Chouhan inaugurated the VKSA in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi. Addressing the gathering, he stated:
“The campaign will promote modern technologies, soil health, natural farming, and crop diversification, ensuring food security and full reserves for the nation.”
He also announced the deployment of 2,170 expert teams to assist farmers with crop selection, seed varieties, fertiliser use, and sustainable agricultural practices, with an emphasis on science-led interventions for enhancing productivity and incomes.
Jammu & Kashmir (30 May 2025)
The Minister highlighted the vital role of farmers living in border regions, describing them as the second line of defence. Terming the courage of farmers as unmatched he said that despite facing constant danger farmers continue to cultivate the land and feed the nation.
VKSA bringing Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of “Lab to Land” into action: Shiv Raj Singh Chouhan
VKSA plays vital role in advancing goals of developed agriculture: Shri Chouhan
Shri Chouhan addressed a large gathering of farmers during a convention held under the VKSA, reinforcing the government’s commitment to inclusive and region-specific agri-development.
Panipat, Haryana (31 May 2025)
On the third day of the campaign, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, interacted with farmers in Panipat, Haryana. During his main address, he shared this experience, stating that programmes related to farmers are incomplete without visiting the fields.
"I try to live the life of a farmer. I am a farmer’s son. I drive a tractor and also do the sowing myself." – Shri Chouhan
"Agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy; without farming, the identity of Hindustan is incomplete." – Shri Shivraj Singh
"Even if the production increases by just one quintal per hectare, the total Kharif crop production will increase by 20 million tonnes." – Shri Chouhan
Meerut, Uttar Pradesh (1 June 2025)
The Union Agriculture Minister interacted with farmers in Dabthuwa village of Meerut and then held discussions with farmers sitting on a cot in Jangethi village. Talking to the media on this occasion, Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan said that we have come to talk to the farmers as a team along with agricultural scientists.
The goal of 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan ' is to increase production , reduce costs , give the right price for the produce and take appropriate measures to prevent losses to the farmers: Shri Chouhan
5. Motihari, Bihar
At the historic Gandhi site in Piprakothi, Shri Chouhan announced ₹6 crore worth of upcoming agricultural projects at the local KVK. He commended the KVK’s proactive role and remarked:
“Our government has directly linked agricultural scientists with farmers to promote modern techniques and enhance productivity.”
Pune, Maharashtra (3 June 2025)
Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan interacted with farmers at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) at Narayangaon Taluka in Pune and visited Narayangaon Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) and Tomato Market, local farm fields and a cold storage facility along with agricultural scientists, where he interacted with local farmers growing tomatoes and other farm products.
Government is moving towards enacting a strict law for taking action against any company or person making fake fertilizers or pesticides and supplying those to farmers: Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan
“Agriculture scientists have to visit fields and interact with farmers to guide them as per the needs of their fields and produces: Shri Chouhan”
7. Patiala, Punjab (5 June 2025)
During a Kisan Chaupal, the Minister interacted directly with farmers, encouraging farmer-led policy feedback and praising the adoption of direct-seeded rice and stubble-free farming.
He emphasized:
“Policies will now be shaped by inputs from farmers—not by bureaucrats.”
The Green Revolution Freed Us from the Need to Consume Poor-Quality Grains – Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Discussing modern techniques, Shri Chouhan underlined the benefits of direct seeding of paddy (DSR) as a water- and cost-efficient alternative to traditional transplanting methods. He shared farmers’ feedback that the yield remains consistent while significantly reducing labour and input costs. The Minister also stressed the importance of balanced pesticide use, noting that excessive application not only raises costs but also adversely affects crop quality.
He also underscored the principles of cooperative federalism and sustainable water management.
Discussing modern techniques, Shri Chouhan underlined the benefits of direct seeding of paddy (DSR) as a water- and cost-efficient alternative to traditional transplanting methods. He shared farmers’ feedback that the yield remains consistent while significantly reducing labour and input costs. The Minister also stressed the importance of balanced pesticide use, noting that excessive application not only raises costs but also adversely affects crop quality.
Dehradun, Uttarakhand (6 June 2025)
Shri Chouhan accentuated that the quality of Uttarakhand’s fruits, grains, and vegetables is exceptional and has the potential for global recognition.
“The sacred land of Uttarakhand brings renewed energy to the mind, intellect, and spirit: Shri Chouhan”
He further emphasized that greater focus will be placed on promoting natural farming, encouraging technological innovation, and advancing water conservation efforts to enhance the profitability and long-term sustainability of agriculture.
Emphasizing the importance of grassroots engagement, he stated that he had chosen to visit the fields and interact with farmers directly to assess the on-ground implementation of government schemes. Such direct dialogue is essential to ensure the active and empowered participation of farmers in the development process, he added.
In the first ministerial visit in a decade to the ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute, Shri Chouhan chaired a critical review meeting. He urged scientists to support the pre-Kharif campaign stated:
“Technology-driven, farmer-centric solutions are essential for increasing incomes in citriculture. Emphasis must be placed on export-quality seed development and value addition.”
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh (7 June 2025)
Countering political narratives, Shri Chouhan clarified the campaign's scientific intent:
“The government is working with the spirit of ‘One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team’. Scientists must move beyond labs into the fields. This year’s record production of wheat, paddy, soybean, groundnut, and maize is a testament to our collective efforts.”
10. Bengaluru, Karnataka (8 June 2025)
At the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, the Minister addressed 500 farmers, visited field demonstrations, and participated in a technology exhibition.
He advocated for demand-driven research based on farmer feedback, and stressed the need for sustainability and scientific advisory systems in farming.
Telangana, Hyderabad (9 June 2025)
The Minister commenced his visit in Telangana's Ranga Reddy district, engaging directly with farmers in Mansonpally village. This was followed by a Kisan Chaupal (farmers' forum) in Ramachandraguda village, where farmers highlighted the significant improvements in their production and income attributed to the adoption of diversification and integrated farming practices. Concluding the interactions, Shri Chouhan addressed the farming community at a program organized in Mangalpally, Ibrahimpatnam.
Under the leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi, continuous efforts are being made for agricultural advancement – Shri Shivraj Singh
Tomato, potato, and onion farmers will benefit from the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) – Shri Chouhan
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