New Delhi: Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has called for a coordinated push across agriculture and rural development to translate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Shakti Ki Saptadhara’ vision into action, with a focus on higher farm productivity, better quality, food processing, exports and rural women’s economic empowerment.
At a commitment programme held at the C. Subramaniam Auditorium in Pusa, New Delhi, Chouhan administered a collective pledge to officials, scientists, farmers, Lakhpati Didis, food processors, exporters and representatives of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
From Farm to Global Markets
Chouhan stressed that India’s agricultural growth must move beyond production and focus on quality, food safety, processing, branding and compliance with international standards.
He said farmers should be connected more effectively with processors and exporters so that agricultural products can reach domestic and international markets.
Key priorities outlined
- Increase agricultural production and productivity
- Reduce cultivation costs
- Improve quality and ensure remunerative prices
- Expand food processing and value addition
- Strengthen agricultural exports
- Promote natural, organic and chemical-free farming
- Improve access to market and weather information
- Expand technology and mechanisation
The Minister said products ranging from spices and fruits to traditional foods could gain greater market opportunities through improved processing, packaging and branding.
State and District-Level Agriculture Roadmaps
Chouhan called for separate agriculture roadmaps for every state and district, in addition to a national-level plan.
He said agricultural planning must take into account differences in climate, soil, water availability and cropping patterns across regions.
The proposed approach would involve assessing demand in domestic and international markets and encouraging farmers to adopt crops and practices suited to those opportunities.
He also called for closer coordination among the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and state governments to take scientific technologies to farmers.
Six Crore Lakhpati Didis Now the Target
Chouhan highlighted the role of rural women in strengthening the village economy, noting that the government’s target of creating three crore Lakhpati Didis has been achieved.
The next target is to create six crore Lakhpati Didis, requiring three crore additional rural women to be brought into higher-income livelihood opportunities.
Focus areas for rural women
- Skill development
- Financial assistance
- Entrepreneurship
- Market access
- Branding
- Self-Help Group-based enterprises
- Wider markets for rural products
The Minister said initiatives such as She-Marts would be promoted to help women market products including handicrafts, food items, Ayurvedic products and traditional goods.
Villages to Remain at the Centre of Development
Chouhan said the vision of a developed India cannot be achieved without developing rural areas.
He called for stronger monitoring of schemes relating to:
- Rural housing
- Roads
- Water conservation
- Employment and livelihoods
- Women’s empowerment
- Agriculture-based activities
- Land and water resource management
- River rejuvenation
He also urged officials to move beyond offices and regularly visit villages to assess whether government programmes are producing the intended results.
Chouhan’s Four Mantras for Effective Governance
While addressing officials and employees, Chouhan shared four principles expressed through the phrase “Paanv mein chakkar, munh mein shakkar, seene mein aag aur maathe par barf.”
He explained the principles as:
- Paanv mein chakkar: Remain active and regularly visit the field.
- Munh mein shakkar: Maintain a cordial and respectful approach towards colleagues and citizens.
- Seene mein aag: Show passion and determination towards goals.
- Maathe par barf: Remain patient, composed and balanced during challenges.
He said persistence, patience and continued effort are essential for achieving development goals.
Agriculture, Science and Industry to Work Together
The Minister called for closer cooperation between farmers, scientists, FPOs, food processors and exporters to strengthen the entire agricultural value chain.
He said research institutions and Krishi Vigyan Kendras should develop solutions based on farmers’ actual requirements, while processors and exporters should help connect farm output with markets.
Four Departments Present Their Roadmaps
Secretaries of the four departments under the Agriculture and Rural Development ministries presented their respective priorities.
- Dr. Mangilal Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education and Director General, ICAR — agricultural research, technology and scientific innovation.
- Atish Chandra, Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare — agricultural production, farmer incomes and quality improvement.
- Rohit Kansal, Secretary, Department of Rural Development — Lakhpati Didi, rural livelihoods and village development.
- Narendra Bhushan, Secretary, Department of Land Resources — land conservation, water management and natural-resource utilisation.
Minister of State Bhagirath Choudhary and Dr. Chandra Shekhar Pemmasani were also present.
Collective Pledge for Viksit Bharat 2047
The programme concluded with Chouhan administering a collective pledge to participants to work towards a prosperous, self-reliant and developed India.
The pledge included commitments to raise farmers’ incomes, strengthen food production and processing, expand agricultural exports, empower rural women and create six crore Lakhpati Didis.
Chouhan said the responsibility of converting the vision of Viksit Bharat into concrete outcomes rests on all stakeholders working together with dedication and a clear sense of duty.
