Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj lays Foundation for Model KVK, Unveils Roadmap for Scientific Farming in MP
Vidisha (Madhya Pradesh), June 14 (TNT): Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday laid the foundation stone for a model Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) at Berkhedi Jetu in Vidisha district and unveiled a comprehensive roadmap aimed at promoting scientific and integrated farming practices among farmers.
Describing the initiative as a “school for farmers”, Chouhan said the programme was designed to provide practical training rather than serve as a political gathering, with a focus on helping even small and marginal farmers enhance their incomes through scientific agriculture.
Alongside the foundation stone laying ceremony, the Union Minister launched a scientific farming roadmap for Vidisha, Raisen, Sehore and Dewas districts, inaugurated the “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” and introduced a range of modern agricultural technologies and machinery.
The proposed KVK, spread across 49 acres, is being developed as a model centre for agricultural innovation and demonstration.
Chouhan said field-level demonstrations would begin from the upcoming Kharif season itself without waiting for completion of infrastructure works.
He said the centre would facilitate the transfer of agricultural research from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and its network of institutions directly to farmers through demonstrations, training programmes and digital platforms.
Emphasising integrated farming, Chouhan said small landholdings could become economically viable if farmers combined crop cultivation with horticulture, livestock rearing, fisheries, beekeeping and mushroom cultivation.
A scientific assessment of soil, water and agricultural resources in Vidisha, Raisen, Sehore and Dewas districts has been undertaken and a region-specific crop planning roadmap prepared, he said.
The Union Minister also expanded the “Khet Bachao Abhiyan”, urging farmers to reduce indiscriminate use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides and adopt balanced nutrient management based on soil testing.
He said the campaign would intensify efforts to provide Soil Health Cards and encourage natural and organic farming practices alongside conventional agriculture.
To support farmers with crop health issues, Chouhan announced the establishment of an Agri Clinic at the KVK, where scientists would diagnose crop diseases and provide immediate solutions based on soil, leaf and plant samples.
Farmers would also receive advisory services through digital platforms, helplines and mobile applications capable of providing nutrient recommendations and fertiliser requirements based on field conditions, he added.
Addressing concerns over counterfeit agricultural inputs, the Union Minister warned of strict action against those involved in the sale of fake seeds, fertilisers and pesticides.
He urged farmers to insist on bills and verify products through QR codes.
The KVK will also support quality seed production, nursery development and training programmes on seed treatment and selection.
Recognising the challenges faced by small farmers in purchasing costly equipment, Chouhan announced the creation of Custom Hiring Centres and Machine Banks where farmers could rent modern machinery such as laser levellers, Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) equipment and micro-irrigation systems at nominal rates.
The Union Minister also highlighted the need for value addition and food processing to improve farm incomes. Training programmes on processing agricultural produce, packaging and market linkage would be conducted to encourage rural entrepreneurship and agri-based startups.
Skill development initiatives covering mushroom cultivation, dairy farming, poultry and beekeeping would also be promoted to generate supplementary income opportunities for rural youth.
Reiterating the Centre’s focus on pulses and oilseeds production, Chouhan said efforts under the Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission would be accelerated through free demonstration plots, quality seeds and cluster-based cultivation.
He assured farmers that pulses including pigeon pea, black gram and lentil would be procured at Minimum Support Price (MSP), while subsidies of up to Rs 25 lakh would be provided for establishing dal mills in production-intensive areas.
Calling upon farmers to protect soil health, Chouhan administered a pledge under the Khet Bachao Abhiyan, urging them to adopt balanced fertiliser use and sustainable agricultural practices.
He said the campaign would function as a mass movement involving scientists, KVKs, ICAR institutions, state governments, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), self-help groups and farmer organisations.
Among those present were Madhya Pradesh Agriculture Minister Aidal Singh Kansana, Revenue Minister Karan Singh, former minister Surya Prakash Meena, ICAR Director General Mangi Lal Jat and senior scientists, agricultural experts and officials.
TNT TS
