Posted On:
11 OCT 2025 9:46PM by PIB Dehradun
The ICAR–Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation (ICAR–IISWC), Dehradun, organized the live screening of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s inaugural address from the National Agricultural Science Complex (NASC), New Delhi, on Saturday. The occasion marked the launch of the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) and the foundation stone laying of various key schemes and projects of the Government of India. The event was streamed live at the Institute’s Headquarters in Dehradun and across all its Research Centres in India.
Addressing the nation, the Hon’ble Prime Minister emphasized that the Government’s proactive initiatives, coupled with farmers’ dedication, have significantly enhanced the production and productivity of major crops in recent years, contributing to national food security and rural prosperity.
Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, highlighted the achievements under major agricultural missions and schemes including the National Mission on Pulses, PM Krishi Bima Yojana, PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, all of which have substantially improved agricultural resilience and farmers’ welfare. Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, Hon’ble Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, extended a warm welcome to the participants in the hybrid national event.
At the Dehradun campus, Shri Munna Singh Chauhan, Hon’ble Chief Guest and MLA, Vikasnagar, Uttarakhand, graced the event and interacted with farmers and participants. In his address, he lauded the transformative potential of the PM’s initiatives in empowering farmers, strengthening cooperatives, and promoting Atmanirbhar Krishi. Appreciating the balance between traditional farming wisdom and modern science, he remarked that these government initiatives have turned farmers into resource providers and contributors to local and national self-reliance.
Dr. M. Madhu, Director, ICAR–IISWC, addressed the gathering, urging farmers to adopt organized approaches to farming and marketing through Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and women’s associations to ensure better mobilization of resources and improved economic outcomes.
Dr. J. M. S. Tomar, Head, Forest & Plant Science Division, welcomed the Chief Guest and participants, while Dr. R. K. Singh, Head, Hydrology & Engineering Division, proposed the concluding remarks. Dr. M. Muruganandam, Principal Scientist interacted with the farmers and emphasized that awareness of various government schemes is essential for farmers to effectively avail their benefits.
The programme was coordinated by Dr. J. M. S. Tomar and Dr. R. K. Singh, along with a team of scientists and technical officers including Dr. Charan Singh, Dr. Ambrish Tiwari, Dr. Rajesh Kaushal, Dr. Vibha Singhal, Dr. M. Sankar, Principal Scientists; Shri Girish Bhatt, CAO (SG); Shri Rakesh Kumar, Shri Mangal Singh Chauhan, Shri Amit Chauhan, Shri Anil Chauhan, and Shri Suresh Kumar, Chief Technical Officers; and Sh Lawal AO and Sh Sanjay Pant, AAO, IISWC.
During the national event, the Hon’ble Prime Minister launched the ₹24,000 crore PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and the six-year Mission of Aatmanirbharta in Pulses worth ₹11,440 crore. He also inaugurated 1,034 projects under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, along with major projects in Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, and Food Processing sectors. The programme celebrated milestones such as the formation of 10,000 FPOs with 50 lakh farmer memberships, large-scale certification under the National Mission for Natural Farming, and the MAITRI Technician Scheme.
At ICAR–IISWC, the live telecast was followed by an interaction session with progressive farmers and media representatives, focusing on the implications of the newly launched schemes for sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, and livelihood enhancement. Progressive farmers and media personnel were acknowledged for their valuable contributions. The institute also showcased its research facilities and technologies relevant to the farming community.
The event concluded with active participation from scientists, staff, and farmers, reaffirming ICAR–IISWC’s commitment to advancing the national vision of sustainable, resilient, and prosperous agriculture. A total of 426 farmers, including 98 women farmers, attended the programme.