Bhagirath Choudhary Backs Cow-Based Agriculture

Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Bhagirath Choudhary emphasized the importance of agriculture in India’s development journey and called for a renewed focus on cow-based farming practices while addressing the valedictory session of a national conference on sustainable agriculture in New Delhi.

The two-day National Conference on “Sustainable Agriculture for Viksit Bharat @ 2047: Tradition, Technology and Tangible Outcomes” concluded on Sunday at the National Agricultural Science Complex of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The conference was jointly organized by the Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh (ABRSM) and ICAR, with support from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.

Agriculture Key to Viksit Bharat 2047

Addressing participants as the Chief Guest, Shri Bhagirath Choudhary stated that the vision of a developed India cannot be achieved without strengthening the agricultural sector.

He highlighted India’s remarkable progress in food production since Independence. According to the Minister, the country has successfully overcome food shortages and today provides free food grains to more than 810 million citizens.

He noted that while India has achieved food security in many areas, the nation must continue efforts toward self-reliance in the production of pulses and oilseeds.

“The goal of Viksit Bharat cannot be achieved without agriculture,” Shri Choudhary said, emphasizing the central role of farmers in national development.

Call for Cow-Based Agriculture

Drawing from his personal experience and understanding of farming, the Minister stressed the need to revive and promote cow-based agriculture.

He stated that traditional agricultural practices remain relevant and should be integrated with modern innovations in a balanced manner. According to him, indigenous farming methods can contribute significantly to sustainability, soil health, and long-term agricultural resilience.

Shri Choudhary also referred to the traditional saying, “Uttam Kheti, Madhyam Vyapar” (Agriculture is the noblest occupation, followed by trade), describing it as a guiding principle that continues to hold relevance in modern India.

He expressed confidence that agriculture would emerge as India’s largest industry in the coming years due to increasing technological advancements, innovation, and value-added agricultural practices.

Technology Must Complement Tradition

A major theme of the conference was the integration of traditional agricultural wisdom with modern technology.

The Minister argued that technology should not replace traditional knowledge but rather complement it. He emphasized that sustainable growth in agriculture can be achieved through a balanced approach that combines innovation with India’s rich agricultural heritage.

Experts at the conference discussed methods to improve productivity, reduce input costs, and strengthen climate resilience while ensuring environmental sustainability.

Record Food Grain Production Highlighted

Speaking during the valedictory session, Dr. Prabhat Kumar, Commissioner (Horticulture), Government of India, highlighted the role of technology in transforming agriculture.

He stated that agriculture was traditionally regarded as an art, but modern farming must now incorporate scientific innovation and technology to increase productivity and create greater value for farmers.

Dr. Kumar informed participants that India has achieved a record food grain production of 376 million tonnes, representing an increase of approximately 18 million tonnes compared to the previous year.

He noted that this achievement reflects the growing strength of India’s agricultural sector and the effectiveness of research-driven farming practices.

Experts Stress Action-Oriented Solutions

The conference brought together agricultural scientists, researchers, educators, policymakers, and university leaders from across the country.

Among the distinguished participants were Prof. Narayan Lal Gupta, National President of ABRSM; Dr. R. K. Singh, ADG (Extension), ICAR; Prof. Geeta Bhatt, National General Secretary of ABRSM; Prof. Gurdev Chand, Head of Plant Physiology at SKUAST-Jammu; and several Vice-Chancellors from agricultural universities.

In his presidential address, Prof. Narayan Lal Gupta emphasized the need to convert ideas and innovations discussed during the conference into practical action.

He urged stakeholders to work collectively toward implementing sustainable agricultural solutions that can benefit farmers and contribute to India’s development goals.

Research and Innovation Take Center Stage

The second day of the conference featured parallel technical sessions where selected research papers were presented by experts and scholars.

The presentations focused on emerging agricultural technologies, sustainable farming practices, climate-resilient agriculture, soil health management, and innovative approaches to improving farm productivity.

Participants discussed strategies for addressing challenges related to water conservation, biodiversity protection, fertilizer management, and changing climatic conditions.

Building a Sustainable Agricultural Future

The conference concluded with a shared commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture through research, innovation, technology adoption, and traditional knowledge systems.

Experts agreed that achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 will require stronger collaboration among farmers, researchers, educational institutions, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.

As India continues its journey toward becoming a developed nation, agriculture is expected to remain a cornerstone of economic growth, food security, and rural prosperity.

The conference reinforced the message that sustainable and farmer-centric agricultural development will play a decisive role in shaping India’s future.

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