Speeches & statements

36th Annual Conference of Vice-Chancellors of Agricultural Universities

Venue

New Delhi (ICAR / DARE)

Subject

Agricultural higher education

Speaking at the inaugural session on the theme “Reimagining Agricultural Higher Education for Viksit Bharat@2047”, he said that a developed India needs a strong agriculture sector and empowered farmers, that agriculture must become technology-driven, innovative and future-ready, and urged universities to draw young people into farming.

97th Annual General Meeting of the ICAR Society

Venue

NASC Complex, New Delhi

Subject

Self-reliance in agriculture

According to PIB, he said Indian agriculture and allied sectors had made significant strides since 2014 and that the next priority is self-reliance — in pulses, oilseeds, seeds, livestock and value-added processing — supported by stronger Farmer Producer Organisations, market links and a larger role for ICAR and KVKs.

Response to reports on a horticulture subsidy

Venue

New Delhi (media interview)

Subject

National Horticulture Board assistance

Responding to reports that he had received assistance under a National Horticulture Board scheme for protected cultivation, he said he had applied in 2018 with full disclosure, before becoming a Minister.

“I am a farmer and have been in agriculture since my childhood days. I have not hidden anything.”

Fertiliser supply for Rajasthan

Venue

Rajasthan (media)

Subject

Fertiliser availability

Told reporters that fertiliser allotted to Rajasthan had reached port and would be distributed soon.

12th FICCI India Maize Summit

Venue

FICCI Federation House, New Delhi

Subject

Maize and farm incomes

Spoke on maize as a crop with potential to improve incomes of farmers exposed to the vagaries of the monsoon, at the summit where a FICCI–YES Bank report on maize demand was released.

FICCI India Horticulture Summit 2026

Venue

New Delhi

Subject

Growth of the farm sector

Said, as reported by All India Radio's News On Air, that the agriculture sector continues to show strong and resilient growth.

Union Budget 2026-27

Venue

Udaipur, Rajasthan

Subject

Budget provisions for farmers

At a press conference on the Union Budget he described it as a historic document for farmer prosperity and rural empowerment.

“यह बजट किसान समृद्धि और ग्रामीण सशक्तिकरण का ऐतिहासिक दस्तावेज है”

Hindi original, as quoted by ETV Bharat. (“This budget is a historic document for farmer prosperity and rural empowerment.”)

6th International Agronomy Congress

Venue

New Delhi

Subject

Agronomy and farmers' problems

Addressed the congress on the role of agronomy research in solving farmers' practical problems.

“Agronomy must become the solution to the real problems of farmers.”

Annual Conference of Vice-Chancellors and ICAR Directors

Venue

Dr C. Subramaniam Auditorium, NASC, New Delhi

Subject

Agricultural research policy

PIB reported him describing agriculture as the backbone of the country and farmers as its soul, and urging concrete policy steps.

National Agri Input Conclave 2025

Venue

PHD House, New Delhi

Subject

Soil health and technology

Urged farmers to have their soil tested and to use research centres and FPOs; credited scientists, industry and farmers for self-reliance in grain; noted that over 81 crore people receive free foodgrains — as reported by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

National Conference on Agriculture — Rabi Campaign 2024

Venue

New Delhi

Subject

Pulses and oilseeds

Thanked research institutions for their work towards self-reliance in pulses and oilseeds.

6th FICCI Agri Startup Summit & Awards

Venue

FICCI Federation House, New Delhi

Subject

Natural farming and water

Spoke on natural farming and the use of recycled water in agriculture.

96th ICAR Foundation and Technology Day

Venue

New Delhi

Subject

Farmers and oilseeds

PIB reported him saying that the farmers who feed 140 crore people must be cared for, calling for a digital revolution in agriculture and higher oilseed production.