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Chouhan stresses on integrated farming to boost incomes
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Wednesday, 26 August, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, Mumbai
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Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan has emphasised the role of integrated and natural farming in enhancing farmers’ incomes, particularly for small and marginal landholders, while addressing the Krishi Jan Kalyan Samvad in Patna.
Describing farmers as the backbone of the country, Chouhan said the Central government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is promoting integrated farming and natural farming to create sustainable and diversified sources of income for the farming community.
The Union Minister interacted with farmers during the programme, listened to their concerns and sought their suggestions. He also highlighted various government policies, successful agricultural models and practical approaches that could help improve farm incomes.
Referring to demonstration models developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Chouhan said integrated farming could provide stable income even from small landholdings. He cited an ICAR Eastern Campus model involving 2-3 bighas of land, where farmers cultivate crops such as wheat, gram, mustard and maize after paddy cultivation, while also integrating activities including fish farming, poultry, duck rearing, vine vegetables, fruit cultivation and fodder production.
Such diversified farming systems can generate multiple income streams throughout the year, with some farming families able to increase their annual income to up to Rs 2 lakh, he said.
Chouhan also highlighted the benefits of natural farming and advised farmers to initially adopt natural and advanced farming practices on a small portion of their land before expanding them across larger holdings. He noted that excessive use of chemical fertilisers was affecting soil health and stressed the need for balanced and sustainable agricultural practices.
The Minister said the Centre and state governments would work together to strengthen the marketing and branding of organic products, helping farmers secure better prices and wider recognition for their produce.
During the interaction, Chouhan commended the experiences shared by progressive farmers, including Ramjeet Sharma, Ramkumar Vinay, Sushila Devi and Sudhanshu, and assured them that their suggestions would be considered by the government.
He said the Krishi Jan Kalyan Samvad was aimed at enabling direct interaction with farmers and gaining firsthand insights into their challenges and requirements. Chouhan also said he would visit Bihar again to review initiatives related to soil improvement and farmers’ livelihoods, adding that the Centre and the state government would work together to take concrete steps towards improving farmers’ incomes and living standards.
Bihar Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar and Revenue Minister Dilip Jaiswal were also present at the event, along with senior officials, agricultural experts, progressive farmers and rural representatives.
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