Agriculture Ministry to Host 2-Day Chintan Shivir on July 7-8

The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture Research and Education (DARE/ICAR), is all set to host a two-day Chintan Shivir on July 7-8, 2023, at the NASC Complex in Pusa.

This event will witness the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, along with Ministers of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Kailash Choudhary and Shobha Karandlaje. The primary objective of the program is to engage in discussions on key thematic areas, such as Climate Resilient Agriculture, Leveraging Private Sector in Agriculture, Use of Digital Technology in Agriculture, Enhancing Export of Agricultural Products, Ease of doing Farming Business, Strengthening Extension System, and Integrated Nutrient Management for soil health.

The Chintan Shivir offers a unique platform for the free flow of innovative ideas, transcending the barriers of hierarchy, and encourages out-of-the-box thinking to benefit farmers and propel the agriculture sector to new heights. This initiative marks the first of its kind, aiming to facilitate focused discussions on identified themes with participation from Ministry officials, experts from the public and private sectors, and divisional heads of DA&FW, ADGs, and DDGs of ICAR. These distinguished individuals will delve into the thematic areas and exchange insights and perspectives on the respective fields.

The farmer remains at the center of attention, and the Central Government is committed to providing policy support to ensure farmers have access to quality seeds, essential inputs, and innovative technologies that can enhance area coverage, production, and productivity, thereby establishing a sustainable Indian agriculture sector.

Over the course of two days, this program aims to achieve the following objectives: firstly, to develop strategies for climate-resilient agriculture; secondly, to address the challenges associated with integrated nutrient management, promoting balanced fertilizer use, enhancing soil fertility, and establishing a resilient and sustainable agricultural system; thirdly, to foster collaboration among various organizations and stakeholders to harmonize eco-friendly approaches to plant protection; fourthly, to expand the adoption of natural farming systems for long-term sustainability; fifthly, to strengthen extension services and digitalize the Extension System for improved effectiveness and outreach; sixthly, to formulate state-level strategies for export promotion and the enhancement of export-oriented supply chains; and finally, to shift the focus from a 'production-centric approach' to a 'marketing-centric approach' by leveraging the potential of private players through productive partnerships.

It is expected that the intensive deliberations during this two-day engagement will pave the way for formulating comprehensive strategies to elevate Indian agriculture to newer heights, thereby ensuring enhanced farm incomes for farmers across the country.