In a major initiative aimed at transforming Indian agriculture through scientific practices and practical learning, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Monday laid the foundation stone of a unique “School for Farmers” at Berkhedi Jetu village in Vidisha district of Madhya Pradesh.
The programme marked the beginning of a new model of farmer education that prioritizes field-based learning over traditional meetings and speeches. Alongside the foundation stone ceremony for a model Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), the Minister launched a scientific farming roadmap for the districts of Vidisha, Raisen, Sehore and Dewas, unveiled the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ (Save the Fields Campaign), and introduced a series of modern agricultural technologies and machinery.
Addressing farmers in an interactive session, Shri Chouhan emphasized that the event was not a political gathering but a classroom dedicated to improving farming practices. He said every farmer attending the programme should be regarded as a student, with scientists and experts serving as teachers. Rather than lengthy speeches, participants were taken directly to demonstration fields where they could observe modern agricultural equipment and technologies in action.
A key highlight of the initiative is the establishment of a 49-acre model Krishi Vigyan Kendra, envisioned as a “live laboratory” for scientific agriculture. The Minister announced that practical demonstrations would begin immediately during the current Kharif season, even before the completion of physical infrastructure. The centre will serve as a bridge between research institutions and farmers, bringing innovations developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the country’s extensive network of KVKs directly to farming communities.
Shri Chouhan also unveiled a scientific farming roadmap designed to improve the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers. He noted that shrinking landholdings have become a challenge for rural families but stressed that integrated farming can generate sustainable income even on one hectare of land. The roadmap promotes a combination of crop cultivation, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, beekeeping and mushroom production to maximize productivity and profitability.
The Union Minister launched the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ with a strong appeal for soil conservation and balanced use of fertilizers. He warned that excessive application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides could degrade soil health and reduce long-term productivity. Under the campaign, soil testing and distribution of Soil Health Cards will be intensified, while farmers will also be encouraged to adopt natural and organic farming practices on a portion of their land.
To provide timely support to cultivators, the model KVK will establish an Agri Clinic where farmers can bring plant, leaf and soil samples for expert diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Digital advisory services, helplines and mobile applications will also be promoted to help farmers access scientific guidance on crop nutrition, pest management and fertilizer use.
Addressing concerns about counterfeit agricultural inputs, Shri Chouhan assured farmers of strict action against those involved in the sale of fake seeds, fertilizers and pesticides. He urged cultivators to verify products through QR codes, obtain purchase receipts and report suspicious materials to authorities.
The Minister further announced the creation of Machine Banks and Custom Hiring Centres to ensure affordable access to modern agricultural equipment. Small farmers will be able to rent advanced tools such as laser levellers, Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) machines and micro-irrigation systems instead of purchasing them outright.
Recognizing the need for value addition, the initiative will also focus on food processing, packaging and agriculture-based entrepreneurship. Training programmes in mushroom cultivation, dairy farming, poultry and beekeeping are expected to create additional income opportunities for rural youth.
Shri Chouhan reiterated the government’s commitment to increasing the production of pulses and oilseeds through improved seeds, demonstration plots and cluster-based farming. He assured farmers that pulses such as pigeon pea, black gram and lentil would be procured at Minimum Support Price (MSP), while subsidies would be provided for establishing dal mills in high-production areas.
Concluding the programme, the Minister called upon farmers to make soil conservation a people’s movement and pledged to continue promoting scientific agriculture across the country. He expressed confidence that the Vidisha model KVK would emerge as a national example of farmer-centric innovation and agricultural transformation.
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Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
