The North Zone Agriculture Conference organized by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, emerged as an important platform presenting a fresh vision for agriculture, a renewed action plan, and a farmer-centric approach. The conference witnessed participation from Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath, Union Ministers of State for Agriculture, and ministers from six states and three Union Territories.

During the inaugural session, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Yogi Adityanath emphasized that the next phase of agricultural development would succeed only when scientific research effectively reaches farmers’ fields, government schemes benefit small farmers efficiently, and each state prepares a clear agricultural roadmap based on its geographical and climatic conditions.

Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that earlier, discussions on Kharif and Rabi crops were conducted through a single nationwide meeting, which limited the ability to address region-specific challenges in a vast country like India. He explained that the introduction of zonal conferences allows for deeper discussions and better strategies based on soil type, climate, cropping systems, and regional challenges.

Highlighting the importance of the northern region, he noted that states such as Punjab and Haryana have led the Green Revolution, while Uttar Pradesh plays a crucial role in food grain production. He also pointed out that Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu-Kashmir have distinct strengths in horticulture, including fruits, flowers, and vegetables. Therefore, the conference serves as a valuable platform for sharing experiences and developing collective strategies.

The Union Minister outlined three primary national objectives: ensuring food security, increasing farmers’ income, and providing nutritious food. He stated that achieving these goals requires increasing agricultural production, reducing costs, ensuring fair compensation for farmers’ efforts and crop losses, and promoting diversification in agriculture.

Expressing concern about the rising use of fertilizers, he stressed the need to assess whether increased consumption is based on actual requirements or traditional practices. He emphasized the importance of balanced fertilizer use, soil health protection, natural farming, and adopting organic alternatives for the future.

He further highlighted that quality seeds form the foundation of agriculture and stressed the importance of ensuring the availability of seeds suitable for different climatic conditions. Referring to unpredictable weather patterns and the possibility of low rainfall, he stated that agricultural planning must adapt to changing conditions, including crop selection, seed choice, and technology adoption.

Addressing the issue of counterfeit agricultural inputs such as fake fertilizers, pesticides, and substandard seeds, he called for strict laws and firm action to protect farmers from fraud. He warned that poor-quality inputs negatively affect production, income, and trust, and urged states to conduct special campaigns against such malpractices.

Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan encouraged all states to develop their own agricultural roadmaps and assured that the central government would support them through collaboration with scientists, agricultural universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and expert institutions. He emphasized that long-term planning tailored to state-specific conditions is essential for the overall welfare of agriculture and farmers.

He also underlined the importance of Kisan ID and Kisan Credit Cards, stating that these tools simplify farmer identification, access to loans, schemes, and services. He added that expanding Kisan Credit Card coverage among small and marginal farmers would improve access to affordable institutional credit.

Discussing the Advanced Agricultural Resolution Campaign(Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan), he urged states to create plans that enable agricultural scientists to visit villages and directly interact with farmers. He emphasized that research becomes meaningful only when it reaches the field, allowing farmers to ask questions and receive practical, location-specific advice.

He described integrated farming as highly beneficial for small farmers, noting that relying solely on grain production does not ensure stable income. He recommended diversification into activities such as fruit and vegetable cultivation, animal husbandry, fisheries, goat rearing, poultry, beekeeping, and agroforestry to create multiple income sources.

Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath praised the initiative of organizing regional-level agricultural conferences, calling it practical and result-oriented. For this, he thanked Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. He emphasized that India’s diverse agro-climatic zones require region-specific planning, as agricultural challenges, opportunities, and priorities vary significantly across regions.

Referring to the Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, he highlighted its importance in bringing agricultural research directly to farmers. He noted that earlier, research remained confined to laboratories, but now scientists, educators, and farmers are interacting more closely, leading to better application of technology and renewed enthusiasm among farmers.

Shri Yogi Adityanath also pointed out the positive impact of strengthening Krishi Vigyan Kendras in Uttar Pradesh, making them more accountable and increasing their direct engagement with farmers. He stated that real transformation occurs when scientists conduct field demonstrations, interact with farmers regularly, and provide continuous guidance.

Shri Yogi Adityanath stressed that agricultural development is not limited to increasing production but also involves improving income, reducing costs, adopting modern technology, and strengthening market linkages. He emphasized the importance of quality seeds, timely technological support, reduced dependence on chemicals, promotion of natural farming, and value addition in enhancing farmers’ economic conditions.

He observed that many farmers in Uttar Pradesh have transitioned from single-crop farming to double and triple cropping systems due to better information, improved seeds, government support, and market access. This shift has resulted in increased incomes and demonstrated that farmers can achieve rapid progress with proper guidance.

The Chief Minister also emphasized the need for stronger coordination between production, processing, and marketing. He stated that agriculture should be linked with food processing, demand-based production, and competitive markets to ensure better prices for farmers and promote agricultural entrepreneurship.

The conference also focused on preparing a common agenda for Kharif and Rabi seasons. It brought together progressive farmers, scientists, and representatives from central and state governments, fostering collaboration and collective commitment to advancing agriculture.

Union Ministers of State for Agriculture Shri Ramnath Thakur and Shri Bhagirath Chaudhary were also present. Additionally, several state ministers participated, including Shri Surya Pratap Shahi from Uttar Pradesh, Shri Ganesh Joshi from Uttarakhand, Shri  Gurmeet Singh Khuddian and Shri Mahendra Bhagat from Punjab, Shri Jagat Singh Negi from Himachal Pradesh, Shri Javed Ahmed Dar from Jammu and Kashmir, and Shri Dinesh Pratap Singh and Shri Baldev Singh Aulakh from Uttar Pradesh.

Senior officials, including Agriculture Secretary Shri Atish Chandra and Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, along with scientists, officials from various states, and farmer representatives, were also present at the event.

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RC/MS/MK