Bhubaneswar, May 20: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated on Tuesday that Eastern India can emerge as the agricultural growth engine of the country, thanks to its fertile land, abundant water resources, diverse climate conditions, and hardworking farmers. He emphasized that with the right policy support and effective interventions, the vast agricultural potential of this region can be realized.
Chouhan made these remarks while addressing the Eastern Regional Agricultural Conference held in Bhubaneswar, which he inaugurated alongside Chief Minister Mohan Chandra Majhi.
Representatives from Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal participated in the conference. Discussions focused on increasing pulse and oilseed production, integrated agricultural models for small and marginal farmers, and natural farming practices.
During the inaugural session, Chouhan remarked that this conference is not merely a formal event but a serious platform aimed at redefining agriculture, farmers’ livelihoods, and regional agricultural strategies in Eastern India.
He referred to farmers as not just ‘food providers’ but ‘life givers,’ stating that serving farmers is akin to serving God.
The Union Minister outlined three key priorities for the agricultural sector: ensuring food security for 1.4 billion people, providing nutritious food, and enhancing farmers’ income and livelihoods.
He pointed out that increasing production, reducing farming costs, ensuring profitable prices for farmers, compensating for losses, and diversifying agriculture are the most pressing needs of the current time.
Chouhan highlighted that integrating horticulture, aquaculture, animal husbandry, beekeeping, and agroforestry with crop production could significantly boost small farmers’ incomes.
He urged the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), state agriculture ministers, and officials to demonstrate integrated agricultural models to farmers in an inspiring and practical manner.
Emphasizing sustainable agriculture, the minister warned that indiscriminate use of fertilizers without soil testing not only raises farming costs but also harms soil fertility. He called on states to promote fertilizer use based on scientific requirements.
Chouhan also encouraged farmers to adopt natural farming practices on at least a portion of their land.
He announced that a nationwide ‘Save the Farm Campaign’ would be launched on June 1. This campaign will focus on balanced fertilizer use, soil health, adopting modern technologies, disseminating information about government schemes, and educating farmers.
The Union Minister stressed the need to prevent the misuse of subsidized fertilizers and ensure they are used solely for farming.
He described counterfeit fertilizers, poor-quality seeds, and fake pesticides as serious crimes against farmers, stating that a large-scale campaign would be launched against these issues. He urged states to implement strict laws and take stringent action to ensure that farmers have access to quality agricultural materials at reasonable costs.
Chouhan noted that Eastern India has immense potential to make the country self-reliant in the pulse and oilseed sectors.
He also highlighted the importance of the role of ICAR, agricultural science centers, and other scientific institutions in delivering scientific research and technology directly to farmers.
The Union Minister emphasized the significance of horticulture, high-value crops like mangoes, export potential, quality planting materials, nursery systems, and market-based agriculture.
He concluded by stating that the fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops grown in Eastern India could fetch better prices in both domestic and export markets.
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