The Hon'ble Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan Ji addressed the ICAR Institutes, KVKs and farmers on 13.09.2026 on Rabi Season Preparedness and Climate-Smart Agriculture through online meeting. On the occasion, a Farmers’ Interaction and Awareness Programme was organized at ICAR-NIASM, Baramati.

During his address, the Hon’ble Minister emphasized the importance of timely preparedness, adoption of climate-smart technologies, efficient utilization of natural resources and development of diversified and remunerative farming systems. He highlighted that increasing climatic variability necessitates the adoption of resilient agricultural technologies and production practices that can sustain productivity and profitability under changing weather conditions. The Hon’ble Minister particularly stressed the need for climate-resilient and diversified farming systems integrating different agricultural enterprises according to local agro-ecological conditions. Such systems can help farmers minimize production risks, improve resource-use efficiency, diversify sources of income and strengthen livelihood security. He also emphasized advance planning for the Rabi season with respect to crop selection, availability and efficient use of inputs, irrigation and other critical farm operations. The Hon’ble Minister further advised concerned institutions, KVKs and field functionaries to strengthen the effective dissemination of scientific technologies and need-based technical guidance to farmers. Emphasis was laid on translating scientific knowledge into practical field-level interventions and strengthening coordination among scientists, extension personnel and farming communities. The Hon’ble Minister also urged all the institutes, KVKs and farmers to organize a programme on 17.09.2026 on the occasion of birth day of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India.

Following the address, a local-level Farmers’ Interaction Programme was conducted at the Institute under the chairmanship of Dr. KS Reddy, Director, ICAR-NIASM. Approximately 60 farmers, along with scientists and technical staff of the Institute, participated in the programme. The programme also emphasized the importance of sustained scientist–farmer interaction for identification of field-level problems and development of practical and location-specific solutions. On the occasion, agriculture related benefits were distributed to the DAPSC beneficiaries under DAPSC 2026-27 programme.

The programme provided an effective platform for farmer-centric planning, promotion of climate-resilient agriculture and strengthening of scientist-farmer linkages. The programme also reinforced the commitment of the Institute towards providing need-based scientific and technical support to farming communities for enhancing farm resilience, productivity and sustainable livelihoods. The programme was organized and coordinated by Dr. Sachin S. Pawar and Dr. Sangram B. Chavan, with active support and participation from the scientific and technical staff of the Institute.