Addressing the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Conclave 2026 organised by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan urged the corporate sector to embrace the Indian ethos of trusteeship and dedicate a part of its earnings towards the welfare of farmers, agricultural research and rural communities. He said that while the nation provides opportunities for growth, it is the responsibility of industry to become an active partner in nation-building by investing in agriculture and rural development through CSR.

The Minister stressed that research should not remain confined to laboratories but must serve as a bridge from "Science to Farmers", ensuring that CSR investments create tangible impact in areas such as climate-resilient agriculture, soil health, nutrition-secure food systems, agricultural skill development and women farmers' entrepreneurship.

 

CSR Reflects the Spirit of Trusteeship

 

Shri Chouhan described the conclave as a unique platform where corporates, ministers, scientists, government officials and farmers had come together, creating a complete value chain for agriculture. Referring to Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of trusteeship, he said that those who possess wealth are not its owners but its trustees, and that wealth ultimately belongs to society.

He said the true spirit of CSR lies in voluntarily dedicating a portion of corporate earnings for the welfare of the nation and its people. Clarifying the government's approach, he said it is not about taking away resources but about creating opportunities for talent and enterprise to flourish, enabling entrepreneurs to generate wealth and subsequently invest a share of it in society, farmers and agricultural innovation.

The Minister also noted that many industrialists have long contributed significantly to public welfare even without any legal mandate, and that the CSR law has institutionalised this spirit of social responsibility.

 

Taking Research from Laboratories to Farmers' Fields

 

Shri Chouhan emphasised that agricultural research must directly benefit farmers rather than remaining confined to laboratories. Referring to the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, he said the campaign aimed to bring scientists closer to farmers by disseminating knowledge on new agricultural practices, improved crop varieties and research outcomes.

He asserted that the journey from "Science to Farmers" must be accelerated and said that the corporate sector can play a decisive role in achieving this objective.

Citing the example of the jute sector, Shri Chouhan explained that traditional fibre extraction requires soaking jute in water for nearly 25 days, leading to water scarcity in many areas and affecting fibre quality. With technological advancements, machines have now been developed that can extract superior-quality fibre in significantly less time. He stressed that such technologies must be commercialised rapidly so that farmers can benefit, adding that this cannot be achieved by the government alone and requires active participation from the private sector.

 

Partnership for Climate-Resilient, Healthy and Sustainable Agriculture

 

Highlighting the five thematic areas discussed during the conclave, the Union Minister said making agriculture climate-resilient, protecting soil health, securing both farmers' incomes and public health, and promoting a culture of nutritious, seasonal and climate-appropriate food are among the country's most pressing priorities.

Expressing concern over declining organic carbon levels in soil and the indiscriminate use of fertilisers and pesticides without proper testing, he said protecting soil is fundamental to safeguarding agricultural productivity. He added that initiatives such as the Soil Health Card programme could be further strengthened through CSR support.

Recalling India's traditional concept of "Food as Medicine," Shri Chouhan said people should not live merely to eat, but eat what is necessary for a healthy life—seasonal, balanced and nutritious food. Referring to the growing incidence of diseases such as cancer, he said that alongside improving agricultural production, equal emphasis must be placed on ensuring that the food produced strengthens public health rather than harming it.

 

Focus on Startups, Drone Pilots, Agri-Tech and Women Farmers

 

The Union Minister outlined several avenues through which CSR can strengthen Indian agriculture, including support for agri-tech startups, agricultural training institutions, capacity building of drone pilots, and development of agri-business leaders and food processors.

He observed that many young people do not wish to abandon farming if meaningful opportunities are available. Instead, they are eager to adopt modern agriculture and agri-entrepreneurship, and CSR can create new opportunities for such youth.

Speaking about women farmers and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Shri Chouhan said initiatives such as Drone Didi and women-led SHGs are driving a new revolution in agriculture-based enterprises. He urged the corporate sector to accord special priority to women farmers, women's groups and rural entrepreneurship in their CSR initiatives to further strengthen the backbone of the rural economy.

 

Call for Broader Commitment from Industry

 

Representatives from the corporate sector presented their commitments and assurances towards national development during the conclave. Appreciating these commitments, Shri Chouhan remarked that such commitment should come from all stakeholders.

He reminded participants that while the law mandates companies to allocate 2% of their profits towards CSR, it should not be viewed merely as a legal obligation but as a moral responsibility towards society.

Concluding his address, the Minister said, "True life belongs to the one who gives life to others." He urged everyone to use a part of their hard-earned resources to improve the lives of others, saying that this spirit represents the very essence of the programme.

The main session of the ICAR CSR Conclave 2026, held at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, NASC Complex, New Delhi, brought together corporate leaders, scientists, policymakers and farmer representatives. Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan was joined by Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare Shri Ramnath Thakur, Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, and senior government officials during the event.

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