New Delhi, 23 December 2025: The Innovative Farmers’ Conclave 2025 was inaugurated today at ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, to commemorate the birth anniversary of Shri Chaudhary Charan Singh, popularly known as the “Kisanon ke Masiha” for his lifelong contribution towards farmers’ welfare and agrarian reforms.
On the occasion of Kisan Diwas, Hon’ble Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan described the role of farmers as the foundation of nation-building and said, “Food is Brahma, and the food-producing farmer represents Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh.” Paying tribute to the sacrifice, hard work, and dedication of farmers, he said that today India has become self-reliant in the production of food grains, fruits, vegetables, and milk.
He also highlighted that the country has witnessed a remarkable increase in food grain production. Modern agricultural practices, improved varieties developed by ICAR, scientific farming, and technology have played a crucial role in this progress. He emphasized integrated farming systems, natural farming, balanced use of fertilizers and pesticides, and achieving self-reliance in pulses and oilseeds.
Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, paid rich tributes to Shri Chaudhary Charan Singh, describing him as an honest leader who dedicated his life to farmers’ welfare. He reiterated the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi that “the nation can be happy only when its food providers are happy.” He emphasised that Indian farmers are not just food producers but the greatest scientists of the country, who innovate continuously despite challenges such as climate change and water scarcity. He called for the integration of smart agriculture, AI, digital agriculture, drones, and modern technologies into farming systems and stated that India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation depends on the strength and self-reliance of its farmers.
Dr M.L. Jat, Secretary, DARE & Director General, ICAR, addressed farmers as the “real jewels of the nation.” He emphasized that Kisan Diwas is not merely a symbolic occasion but a reminder of the central role of farmers in nation-building. He stated that farmers are the “professors of practice” and their feedback will play a vital role in shaping ICAR’s research guidelines for the coming years. He highlighted the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, stressing that a developed India is possible only when farmers are empowered, prosperous, and actively involved in research and innovation.
Dr D.K. Yadava, Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR, congratulated ICAR-IARI for organizing this innovative initiative. Director IARI Dr Ch. Srinivasa Rao recalled the visionary leadership of Shri Chaudhary Charan Singh, whose farmer-centric policies motivated generations of farmers to work towards self-reliance and sustainability. He described the Innovative and Fellow Farmer initiative as a unique and timely step to identify, document, and disseminate grassroots innovations for wider adoption.
On this occasion, two books documenting farmer innovations were also released.
Various technical sessions were organized to facilitate interaction among farmers, providing a platform to share experiences and showcase innovations. The event was attended by several dignitaries who also shared their valuable remarks.
The event concluded with a cultural evening celebrating the spirit of Indian agriculture.
