Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, addressed farmers in Dehradun as part of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, an outreach initiative under the Union Government. Speaking at the Himalayan Cultural Centre, Chouhan emphasized that the real field of agricultural research is not confined to labs but lies in the farms, asserting, “There is no scientist greater than a farmer.”
Highlighting the campaign’s focus on grassroots engagement, Chouhan announced that 16,000 agricultural scientists are being mobilised to visit villages across India. These teams—2,170 nationwide and 75 in Uttarakhand—are assessing regional soil, climate, and crop patterns to better inform policy and innovation through real-time farmer feedback.
He assured Uttarakhand farmers that their need for crop protection through fencing will be prioritised under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY). Chouhan praised the state’s horticultural progress, noting that Uttarakhand’s apples rival those from Kashmir and the native fruit Kafal is gaining international attention due to its medicinal properties.
The Minister also underscored the value of traditional grains like Mandua (finger millet), advocating for increased production, seed quality improvement, and robust marketing. He emphasised the role of organic farming and the global demand for nutritious, chemical-free food.
Further, Chouhan encouraged the use of soil health cards, balanced pesticide use, and fertiliser application based on scientific advice. He concluded by promising to return to Uttarakhand on June 14 for the upcoming agricultural fair to continue engaging with farmers.
The event saw participation from top state officials and scientists, including Uttarakhand Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi and representatives from ICAR and Govind Ballabh Pant University, marking a collaborative step toward a sustainable agricultural roadmap for the state.