Shivraj Singh Chouhan addresses 10th National Convention of Agrivision, emphasizing the need for quality in agricultural education, strict action against substandard institutions, and an integrated farming approach to secure small farmers' livelihoods.
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed the 10th National Convention of Agrivision at Pusa, Delhi on October 14, 2026. During his address, he highlighted the importance of improving farmers' livelihoods while positioning India as a 'food basket' for the world.
In his speech, Chouhan emphasized that strict measures would be taken to curb the proliferation of private agricultural colleges operating without proper standards and issuing fake degrees. He stated that an Agriculture Council would soon be established to regulate these institutions and bring greater accountability to agricultural education.
The Minister also underscored the need for quality in agricultural education, emphasizing that no institution would be permitted to operate merely as a business that collected fees and distributed degrees without maintaining appropriate standards. He stressed the importance of protecting students’ investments of time, effort, and money in their education by ensuring that agricultural institutions provided meaningful and credible qualifications.
The government’s focus would be on ensuring quality in agricultural education, safeguarding students’ futures, and strengthening the contribution of agriculture to the country’s development. Chouhan described the expertise of students and farmers’ organizations as particularly important in the policymaking process.
In an effort to regulate these institutions, Chouhan announced the establishment of an Agriculture Council. The focus of this council will be on ensuring quality in agricultural education, safeguarding students’ futures, and strengthening agriculture’s contribution to the country’s development. The Minister also emphasized that technical qualifications pursued by students would retain their value.
Chouhan also spoke about an 'integrated farming' model for small farmers. He suggested integrating multiple agricultural activities, such as fruit and vegetable cultivation, animal husbandry, fisheries, beekeeping, and natural farming, to reduce dependence on a single crop and strengthen economic security of farming households.
During the convention, Shri Chouhan called upon experts and students to contribute their ideas and insights for agricultural policy making. He expressed his intention to meet the representatives within 15 days to one month to develop a detailed action plan based on the convention’s conclusions.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
