Union Agriculture Minister Urges Overhaul of Research Institutes for Better Crop Yield

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan directed officials to assess the performance of 113 research institutes, identifying gaps hindering productivity. He stressed setting targets for 2047 and promoting bio-fortified crops to boost farmers' incomes and reduce costs.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday called for a comprehensive assessment of the performance of the nation's 113 agricultural research institutes. Chairing a high-level meeting, Chouhan urged officials to identify gaps and submit detailed reports to enhance productivity and efficiency.

Chouhan set targets aimed at boosting farm productivity and incomes by 2047, marking 100 years of India's independence. Annual reviews will be conducted to track progress against these goals. Highlighting disparities in productivity between different regions, particularly in Jharkhand, he proposed a dedicated campaign to address these issues.

The Minister also emphasized the importance of promoting bio-fortified crop varieties and directed research efforts to focus on increasing productivity, reducing production costs, and boosting farmers' incomes. Key officials, including Union Ministers of State for Agriculture Ram Nath Thakur and Bhagirath Chaudhary, attended the crucial meeting.