Shivraj Singh Launches Farm Growth Mission

In a landmark move aimed at transforming Indian agriculture, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shri , today addressed a press conference at the National Media Centre, New Delhi. He announced the nationwide launch of the “Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan”, scheduled from May 29 to June 12, 2025. This nationwide campaign, guided by the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, aims to build the foundation of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by promoting modern agriculture, scientific farming practices, and farmer empowerment.

This comprehensive initiative recognizes that agriculture remains the backbone of the Indian economy, offering livelihood to nearly 50% of the population and ensuring national food security. Shri Chouhan emphasized that a strong and sustainable agricultural base is essential for achieving the broader goal of a developed nation.

The Vision: Building a Developed India Through Developed Agriculture

Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized that India is steadily advancing on its path to becoming a developed nation. Agriculture, being central to this mission, demands modernization, innovation, and inclusivity. With agriculture ensuring food security for 1.45 billion Indians, the focus is not only on increasing output but also on improving farmer incomes, promoting nutritional security, and preserving natural resources for future generations.

Six-Point Strategic Framework of the Agriculture Ministry

To realize these objectives, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has formulated a six-point strategy, which includes:

Increasing agricultural production through innovation and technology.

Reducing production costs to boost farmer profitability.

Ensuring fair and remunerative prices for farm produce.

Providing compensation for crop losses due to natural disasters.

Promoting crop diversification, value addition, and food processing.

Encouraging natural and organic farming practices for sustainable development.

Record-Breaking Agricultural Production in 2024–25

India has achieved historic milestones in agricultural output, reflecting the success of ongoing initiatives and the resilience of Indian farmers. Highlights include:

• Kharif rice: 1206.79 lakh metric tonnes
• Wheat: 1154.30 lakh metric tonnes
• Kharif maize: 248.11 lakh metric tonnes
• Groundnut: 104.26 lakh metric tonnes
• Soybean: 151.32 lakh metric tonnes

Total food grain production rose from 3157.74 lakh tonnes in 2023–24 to 3309.18 lakh tonnes in 2024–25, while pulse production grew to 230.22 lakh tonnes and oilseed output climbed to 416 lakh tonnes. These impressive figures strengthen India’s claim as a future “Food Basket of the World.”

Uniting Stakeholders Through “Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan”

The campaign will bring together all major agricultural stakeholders:

• 113 ICAR research institutes
• Agricultural universities
• State agriculture departments
• Innovative farmers and FPOs

The focus is to align scientific advancements with grassroots farming, ensuring practical and immediate benefits for farmers. Shri Chouhan emphasized the importance of real-time interaction between scientists and farmers for addressing field-level challenges and tailoring research to ground realities.

Direct Farmer Engagement Across 65,000+ Villages

The campaign will witness a massive mobilization of 2,170 expert teams, each comprising at least four specialists. These teams will:

• Visit 65,000 villages across 723 districts
• Conduct daily sessions—morning, afternoon, and evening
• Assess local agro-climatic conditions, soil health, water availability, and rainfall trends

Using Soil Health Cards, they will guide farmers on:

• Optimal crop selection
• High-yield and climate-resilient seed varieties
• Efficient sowing techniques
• Balanced and cost-effective fertilizer use
• Scientific pest and disease management

This knowledge-sharing drive will reduce input costs, boost yields, and support eco-friendly practices.

Two-Way Interaction: A New Era of Agricultural Dialogue

Unlike traditional top-down campaigns, Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan is designed as a two-way interaction platform. Farmers will:

• Voice concerns and report on-ground challenges
• Share indigenous innovations and feedback
• Raise issues like pest infestations and soil erosion

This information will shape future agricultural research and policies, ensuring they remain relevant and farmer-centric.

Backed by Science: ICAR and Krishi Vigyan Kendras Take the Lead

The campaign leverages the expertise of over 16,000 agricultural scientists and 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). Their involvement will:

• Bridge the gap between lab and land
• Bring cutting-edge research to the fields
• Empower farmers with data-driven decisions

The collaboration ensures that farming becomes more informed, efficient, and profitable.

Annual Roll-Out: Prepping for Kharif and Rabi Success

The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan will be conducted twice a year, aligned with Kharif and Rabi sowing seasons. This ensures timely interventions and guidance, enhancing productivity and resilience throughout the year.

Impact: Over 1.3 Crore Farmers to Benefit

The campaign is expected to engage more than 1.3 crore farmers directly. By combining policy, science, and grassroots participation, it is poised to set a new benchmark in agricultural development.

The “Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan” marks a transformative milestone in Indian agriculture. Guided by the visionary leadership of Prime Minister and the proactive direction of Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, this initiative aims to modernize and enhance the productivity and sustainability of the agricultural sector. It acknowledges farmers as vital contributors to nation-building and is dedicated to equipping, educating, and empowering them to drive India toward a future of prosperity and food security.