Latest news with #ViksitKrishi
United News of India
a day ago
- Business
- United News of India
Kamalam cultivation key to Viksit Krishi: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Bengaluru, June 8 (UNI) Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday said that high-income, low-input crops like dragon fruit (Kamalam) are crucial for building a "Viksit Krishi" (developed agriculture) model that supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed India by 2047. Standing amidst rows of dragon fruit plants on farmer Muniraj's field in Bengaluru Rural district, Chouhan hailed the crop as a symbol of modern, sustainable farming. "Dragon fruit is an organic, cactus-family fruit that requires no chemical sanitizers and thrives on cow dung manure. It resists disease naturally, cutting input costs while delivering strong economic returns," he told reporters. The minister noted that farmers can start earning ₹2–3 lakh from the very first year of cultivation, with earnings rising to ₹8–10 lakh from the second year. "By the third year, when the plant reaches full production, a farmer can net ₹6–7 lakh annually. This is the future of Indian agriculture — high profit, low input, health-positive," Chouhan asserted. He pointed out that such models align with the Prime Minister's goal of making India a developed nation by 2047. "For a developed India, we need developed agriculture and prosperous farmers. Diversification into crops like Kamalam is not just an option — it is a necessity," he said. Chouhan also emphasised the health benefits of dragon fruit, highlighting its high nutrient content and organic nature. "These crops offer threefold benefits: they are chemical-free, they improve human health, and they offer superior returns compared to traditional farming, where annual savings often don't exceed ₹1 lakh," he said. Calling upon farmers across the country to embrace agricultural diversification, Chouhan said, "Let us move together towards Viksit Krishi. The journey to Viksit Bharat begins from the soil." UNI BDN SSP
Hans India
17-05-2025
- Science
- Hans India
Centre to launch National Soil Spectral Library towards digital agriculture
New Delhi: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is slated to chair a high-level stakeholder consultation on Monday on 'Viksit Krishi' and review key agricultural and rural development schemes in Nagpur, it was announced on Saturday. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will also attend the meeting, according to a Ministry of Agriculture statement. During the visit, the Union Minister will inaugurate the National Soil Spectral Library (NSSL) – a pioneering initiative in digital agriculture, developed collaboratively by the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR)-National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Nagpur; the Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal; and the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. This initiative is part of the Network Programme on Precision Agriculture, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. The minister will also launch an AI-based Smart Trap for Pink Bollworm, a major pest affecting cotton crops. This technology, developed by the ICAR-Central Institute of Cotton Research, Nagpur, leverages advanced machine learning algorithms for precision pest control. Progressive farmers from the region will also be felicitated during the event in recognition of their innovative contributions to agriculture. According to the ministry, the establishment of the National Soil Spectral Library marks a significant milestone in India's journey towards digital agriculture. The library will facilitate a contactless, rapid, and cost-effective method of soil analysis, replacing the conventional wet chemistry-based testing. The soil spectral data, representing diverse agro-climatic zones of India, will be formally dedicated to the nation by the Union Minister. Chouhan will be accompanied by Secretary (DARE) and Director General, ICAR, Dr. Mangi Lal Jat; Deputy Director Generals; Assistant Director General; Directors of Maharashtra-based ICAR institutes; Vice Chancellors of State Agricultural Universities (SAUs); and other senior dignitaries.
