VELLORE, 27 October 2025: Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, visited the ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, under the theme “One Agriculture – One Nation – One Team.”
During the visit, Shri Chouhan interacted with farmers, women self-help groups, and rural youth, discussing schemes including the Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PM-DDKY), National Pulses Mission, National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), Cluster Frontline Demonstration on Pulses (CFLD), and Fermented Organic Manure initiatives.
The Union Minister reviewed the region’s agricultural achievements and appreciated KVK Vellore’s innovations, such as the Wild Boar Repellent, which protects crops from wildlife. Under the Seed Hub and Pulses Mission, high-yielding varieties (VBN-8, VBN-10, VBN-11) have been successfully disseminated. Shri Chouhan also visited exhibitions showcasing agricultural innovations and value-added products.
During two ‘Chaupal’ dialogues, the Minister gathered feedback on schemes and guided farmers on best practices. In the first session, he interacted with farmers from Virudhunagar, Sivaganga, Thoothukudi, and Ramanathapuram districts associated with PM-DDKY, highlighting the integration of 36 schemes across 11 Ministries to deliver comprehensive benefits. Farmers expressed satisfaction with natural farming, Mundu chili cultivation, pulses, oilseeds CFLDs, and other projects.
In the second session, Shri Chouhan emphasised natural farming and the National Pulses Mission, aimed at making India self-reliant in pulses. He noted that Tamil Nadu will benefit through improved varieties, advanced technology, and assured marketing, and appreciated innovations by the National Pulses Research Centre, Vamban, under TNAU.
The Minister also addressed key agricultural concerns, assuring steps to tackle pest and disease issues affecting coconut crops, and initiatives to establish value-addition and processing units to manage price fluctuations in mango production. He confirmed that all eligible farmers in Tamil Nadu would be linked to the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana for maximum outreach.
Shri Chouhan expressed admiration for Tamil Nadu’s farmers, their culture, and values, and assured further visits to engage directly on natural farming and allied initiatives.
The programme was attended by senior officials, including the Director of Tamil Nadu’s Agriculture, Horticulture & Farmers Welfare Department; TNAU Vice Chancellor Dr. R. Tamizhvendan; ICAR-ATARI Hyderabad Director Dr. Shaik N. Meera; Joint Secretary Ms. Initha; State Horticulture Commissioner Shri Kumaravel Pandian; and representatives from ICAR, TNAU, TANUVAS, and other allied sectors. Farmers, ‘Drone Didis’, and ‘Lakhpati Didis’ associated with self-help groups also actively participated in the event.
