Shivraj Singh Chouhan Pushes Unified Farm Strategy, Announces Clean Plant Centre

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday said that India needs a single, united plan to improve farming across the country. Speaking at the FICCI Maize Summit 2025, he said that the central and state governments, scientists, farmers, and private companies should work together like one team. His goal is to build a strong and modern farming system that helps farmers and the country. He called this idea “One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team.”

Speaking to a group of people involved in farming and related businesses, the minister said that India urgently needs to work together to grow more crops, help farmers earn better, and make sure everyone gets enough healthy food. He said there should be one clear plan for agriculture across the whole country, no matter which state. “We all need to work as one team, government, businesses, universities, and farmers,” he said.

The minister noted that while the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has already developed 265 maize varieties, including 77 hybrids and 35 bio-fortified types, further innovation is essential to meet the growing demand and challenges.

During the summit, Chouhan highlighted the importance of agriculture in Indian economy especially in areas like Jammu and Kashmir. He said, farming in Jammu and Kashmir is important because nearly half of the population depends on farming for their livelihood and source of income. He appreciated the efforts of Union Territory in modernising farming practice. One key initiative he appreciated was the ‘Kisan Khidmat Ghar’, which is described as a one-stop centre where farmers can get access to all kinds of services related to agriculture such as help with seeds, fertilizers, machinery, crop advice, government schemes, and more just under one roof.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan pointed out some serious problem in horticulture, he said imported plant materials such as saplings or cuttings brought from other countries, often develop diseases after two or three years. These infections can damage crops and cause huge losses for farmers. To tackle this problem, the government will set up a Rs 150 crore Clean Plant Centre in Srinagar under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). This centre will focus on producing and supplying disease-free, high-quality planting materials that are safe and reliable for farmers to use.

Source: ANI