Monday, 9 June 2025
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the ‘One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team’ initiative in Nagpur, announced the creation of a national lab in Pune for the Clean Plant Program, unveiled India’s first soil spectral library, and stressed the importance of collective action for sustainable agriculture in Maharashtra
Union Minister of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, addressed a large assembly of farmers at the ‘Krishi Samvaad’ convention, held as part of the ‘Vikasit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ in Nagpur. The prominent event was graced by several dignitaries, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, State Agriculture Minister Adv. Manikrao Kokate, and senior officials from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), among others.
In his keynote address, Chouhan introduced a transformative initiative called ‘One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team,’ stressing the importance of a unified approach to agricultural development. He urged the Central and State governments, agricultural scientists, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), ICAR institutes, and local leaders to collaborate closely to transform Indian agriculture. “By coordinating efforts, setting clear goals, and creating well-structured roadmaps, we can achieve remarkable progress in this sector,” Chouhan stated.
Chouhan made a key announcement regarding the establishment of a national-level laboratory in Pune under the Clean Plant Program, which will focus on researching and preserving original plant species. The initiative aims to promote disease-free, high-quality nurseries, while improving agricultural productivity through better seeds, soil testing, and cost-effective farming practices.
The Union Minister also shared that the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) operates 113 institutes across India, with 11 of them located in Maharashtra. He revealed plans to convene a meeting of all ICAR institute heads at the National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS & LUP) in Nagpur to develop a comprehensive roadmap for the state’s agricultural growth.
Additionally, Chouhan announced a nationwide outreach program from May 29 to June 12, during which 16,000 ICAR scientists and agricultural extension officers will visit villages to educate farmers on sustainable practices and preparations for the upcoming Kharif season.
