Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan today participated in the National Agricultural Students Conference organised at Pusa, New Delhi. The conference witnessed large participation from agricultural students from across the country, along with thousands joining virtually. Agricultural scientists, professors, and senior officials from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and agricultural universities also participated. Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, joined the event virtually.

The conference aimed to promote innovation, research, modern technologies, and knowledge exchange in the agricultural sector. It sought to enhance the quality of agricultural education, inspire young talent, and strengthen research initiatives through active engagement with students.

In his address, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed concern over the large number of vacant posts in agricultural institutions. He directed the Director General of ICAR to take immediate action to fill these vacancies to ensure quality education. The Union Minister further announced that he would write to all Chief Ministers to expedite the filling of vacant posts in agricultural universities and colleges in their respective states and discuss the matter with the concerned agriculture ministers.

Shri Chouhan asserted that the future of agricultural students must not be compromised under any circumstances. Referring to the National Education Policy guided by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Union Minister stressed the need to provide high-quality agricultural education in the country. To address existing challenges, Shri Chouhan instructed ICAR to form a student team to collect creative suggestions from agricultural students for improving education and institutional systems.

He emphasised the need for grading agricultural universities and colleges to encourage healthy competition and urged ICAR to study global best practices and adapt them to the Indian context. “If we develop agriculture and villages together, migration will stop — this too is nation-building,” he said. “We must strive for self-reliance so that India’s progress is not dependent on any other nation. A developed and self-reliant India cannot be achieved without the growth of agriculture,” he added.

Highlighting the importance of practical exposure, Shri Chouhan advised that every agricultural student should visit farms at least once a year to gain hands-on experience and understand farmers’ challenges firsthand. He urged students to think of solutions to farmers’ problems and contribute to transforming the overall agricultural landscape of the country.

Encouraging students to lead purposeful lives, the Union Minister said, “Agricultural students should not lead an ordinary life. They should set a goal and live meaningfully. True living is in giving life to others.”

Organised jointly by the Education Division of ICAR and the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), the conference featured active participation and dialogue between students and the Union Agriculture Minister. Students shared their experiences, discussed new technologies, and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing agriculture in line with government policies. Shri Chouhan listened attentively to their concerns and assured appropriate solutions, extending his best wishes for their bright future.

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RC/AR/MK