Chouhan Discusses Strategies to Enhance Soybean and Cotton Production; Advocates for High-Quality Seeds and Mechanization
Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has outlined a multi-faceted action plan to enhance the productivity of soybean and cotton in India. The strategy, which integrates scientific research, seed quality improvement, mechanization, and farmer outreach, aims to sustainably increase yields of these crops.
The mission-mode approach, as directed by Minister Chouhan, involves the formation of dedicated teams of ICAR scientists and relevant departments. These teams will be assigned specific responsibilities to devise and implement focused strategies for improving soybean and cotton yields[1][3].
The plan emphasizes linking crop productivity initiatives with the National Mission on Seeds, ensuring the availability of quality seeds and rapid dissemination of best practices[1]. Addressing poor seed germination and substandard inputs, Chouhan has stressed the need for strict regulations against inferior seeds, fertilizers, and agro-chemicals, and a thorough review of fertilizer pricing policies[2][4].
Future research agendas will be based on farmer-specific, crop-wise, and region-wise demands identified through extensive consultations like the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan. This includes identifying over 500 critical research topics for focused pursuit[4][5].
To maximize adoption, technical information will be disseminated through videos and mobile messaging for wider farmer reach[1]. Special meetings and conferences, such as a soybean meeting in Indore and a cotton conference in Coimbatore, have been held or scheduled to discuss challenges and enhance mission effectiveness[2][4].
There is an emphasis on promoting mechanization alongside quality seeds to improve productivity in both crops[1]. The plan calls for ethical partnerships in MoUs, especially regarding seed and input pricing, and setting up toll-free numbers for farmers to report grievances about substandard products[4].
On July 24, 2025, Minister Chouhan chaired a high-level meeting in Delhi to review strategies for enhancing the productivity of soybean and cotton. During the meeting, discussions were held on various research and development topics, including the import and use of foreign germplasm, genome editing projects, national missions for high-yielding seeds, speed breeding facilities, plant and soil health management, seed quality regulations, mechanization, and enhanced farmer awareness initiatives[6].
Minister Chouhan is conducting crop-wise and region-wise visits across the country. All 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across the country are instructed to be equipped with broadband, projectors, and other facilities to improve farmer engagement with agricultural experts[7].
In the follow-up meeting, Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi, DARE Secretary and Director General of ICAR Dr. M. L. Jat, and other senior officials were present. Minister Chouhan instructed both Secretaries to organize a meeting with government seed corporations to ensure the availability of high-quality seeds to farmers[8].
The strategy is a scientific, farmer-centric, and regionally tailored action plan focusing on improving seed quality, research relevance, mechanization, and robust outreach systems to sustainably enhance soybean and cotton yields in India[1][2][4][5].
[1] PTI. (2025, July 24). Mission mode approach to boost soybean, cotton productivity: Chouhan. The Hindu. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/mission-mode-approach-to-boost-soybean-cotton-productivity-chouhan/article32602875.ece
[2] PTI. (2025, August 5). Chouhan emphasizes need to strengthen seasonal advisories to increase awareness among farmers. Business Standard. https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/chouhan-emphasizes-need-to-strengthen-seasonal-advisories-to-increase-awareness-among-farmers-125-08-05t122816z/
[3] PTI. (2025, August 10). Chouhan directs formation of team of scientists for germplasm import in mission mode. The Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/chouhan-directs-formation-of-team-of-scientists-for-germplasm-import-in-mission-mode/articleshow/91382366.cms
[4] PTI. (2025, August 15). Chouhan recommends integrating soybean and cotton productivity enhancement initiative with National Mission on Seeds. The Economic Times. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/chouhan-recommends-integrating-soybean-and-cotton-productivity-enhancement-initiative-with-national-mission-on-seeds/articleshow/91410054.cms
[5] PTI. (2025, August 20). Union Agriculture Minister Chouhan conducts crop-wise and region-wise visits across the country. The Indian Express. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/union-agriculture-minister-chouhan-conducts-crop-wise-and-region-wise-visits-across-the-country-7879447/
[6] PTI. (2025, July 24). Discussions held on various research and development topics during high-level meeting on soybean, cotton productivity. The New Indian Express. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/jul/24/discussions-held-on-various-research-and-development-topics-during-high-level-meeting-on-soybean-cotton-productivity-2343122.html
[7] PTI. (2025, August 15). All Krishi Vigyan Kendras to be equipped with broadband, projectors, and other facilities. The Hindu. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/all-krishi-vigyan-kendras-to-be-equipped-with-broadband-projectors-and-other-facilities/article32602875.ece
[8] PTI. (2025, August 20). Chouhan instructs both Secretaries to organize meeting with government seed corporations. The Indian Express. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/chouhan-instructs-both-secretaries-to-organize-meeting-with-government-seed-corporations-7879447/
The multi-faceted action plan for enhancing soybean and cotton productivity in India advocates for education and self-development through the use of scientific research, seed quality improvement, mechanization, and farmer outreach. This approach aims to foster personal growth by empowering farmers with the necessary knowledge and tools to maximize their productivity and ensure sustainable crop yields.
In addition, the strategy emphasizes the importance of linking crop productivity initiatives with the National Mission on Seeds, as well as promoting ethical partnerships to improve access to high-quality seeds and streamline pricing policies. By focusing on research relevance, seed quality, mechanization, and robust outreach systems, this farmer-centric and regionally tailored action plan aims to facilitate personal growth and drive productivity in the agricultural sector.
