National Kharif Campaign 2025 Successfully Launched Under the Leadership of Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh

New Delhi – The National Agriculture Conference for Kharif Campaign 2025 was successfully organized today at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, Pusa Campus, under the leadership of Union Minister of Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Agriculture Ministers from over 10 states attended the conference in person, while others joined virtually, expressing collective commitment to advancing agriculture in coordination with the central government.

In his address, Union Minister Chouhan highlighted the significant responsibility of ensuring adequate food, fruits, and vegetables for India's 1.45 billion population. He emphasized that this task is extraordinary and requires joint efforts. “India is not just working for itself; the world is our family, and we desire welfare for all,” he stated. Stressing on national security, he added, “We don’t provoke anyone, but if provoked, we will respond firmly.”

Praising the country's growth, Chouhan remarked that India has now become the fourth-largest economy in the world, moving up from the fifth position. He pointed out the government’s simultaneous efforts in welfare schemes, agricultural development, and combating terrorism. Referring to the recent anti-terror operations, he said those responsible for heinous acts, such as wiping the vermillion from the foreheads of Indian daughters, have been eliminated.

He further asserted that “Operation Sindoor” sends a clear message—India will not tolerate any hostile intent, and will defend its honor to the last drop of blood if needed.

Chouhan strongly criticized the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, calling it a historical mistake that gave 80% of India's river water to Pakistan. He announced that following the Pahalgam terrorist incident, the treaty has been annulled. He declared that Indian farmers have full rights over the waters of the Indus, and every drop will now be used for agriculture, electricity generation, and development. This step will benefit farmers in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Jammu-Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh.

Commending scientists and farmers, Chouhan noted the continuous increase in foodgrain production and revealed the development of two new rice varieties that mature 20 days earlier, conserve water, and reduce methane emissions. Since 2014, over 2,900 new crop varieties have been developed, he added.

He emphasized that the Kharif Conference is not just a formality but a crucial step toward reducing input costs, increasing production, ensuring fair prices, and promoting fruit and flower cultivation. Chouhan stressed the need to maintain soil health for future generations by minimizing the use of excessive fertilizers.

Introducing the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan, he announced that teams of scientists will be formed and deployed to villages to spread awareness and promote agricultural advancements. With 16,000 scientists available, teams of four will operate at the grassroots level twice a year, including an October campaign for the Rabi season. He urged state agriculture ministers to actively participate in this mission for better outcomes in the agriculture sector.

Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Shri Ram Nath Thakur also participated in the conference. Senior officials, including Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Agriculture Commissioners, and ICAR scientists, were present. Agriculture Secretary Shri Devesh Chaturvedi outlined the conference's objectives and emphasized coordination between states and the center. Presentations were also delivered by Fertilizer Secretary Shri Rajat Kumar Mishra, ICAR DG Dr. M.L. Jat, DDG (Extension) Dr. Rajbir Singh, DDG (Crop Science) Dr. D.K. Yadav, IMD scientist Shri Rahul Saxena, and Joint Secretaries Shri Ajit Kumar Sahu, Shri Poornachandra Kishan, and Shri Samuel Praveen Kumar. Joint Secretary Ms. Perin Devi delivered the vote of thanks.