MP: ‘Bhumi pujan’ of KVK Agricultural Science Centre performed in Vidisha; Shivraj Sir’s class is in session; farmers’ school will change destiny of farming
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday laid the foundation stone of a unique ‘school for farmers’ in Berkhedi Jetu of Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh, and presented a big resolve to transform farming.
Instead of a formal gathering and long welcome speeches, the focus remained directly on fields and farmers in the presence of Shivraj Singh, other public representatives and scientists. Along with the foundation stone laying of the model Agricultural Science Centre, a scientific farming roadmap for Vidisha, Raisen, Sehore and Dewas, the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ and a complete chain of modern machinery and innovation were launched.
Speaking in simple, conversational language with farmer brothers and sisters, ‘Shivraj Sir’ clearly said that this is not a political gathering but a class on farming, where even a small farmer with two and a half acres of land is given the resolve to earn a respectable livelihood through integrated farming, balanced fertilisers, good soil and good technology. This initiative aims to bring real change in the lives of farmers by providing practical knowledge and modern tools.
Every farmer attending the event should be considered a student
Shivraj Singh Chouhan made it clear right at the beginning that this programme is not for gathering crowds or giving speeches but for training farmers. He also told the media that the farmers who have come here have not been brought in buses or vehicles; those who want to learn have come on their own, therefore instead of formal stage formalities, there will be a direct class.
Shivraj Chouhan said that every farmer attending the event should be considered a student, for whom scientists will present their points in limited words and then take them directly to the fields to demonstrate machines and new technologies. This approach ensures that learning is practical and directly applicable in the fields.
Farmers will be taught by showing them with their own eyes
This Agricultural Science Centre being built in Berkhedi Jetu will be the country’s model Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) on 49 acres of land, where demonstration plots of modern farming will start from this Kharif season itself. Shivraj made it clear that work on the fields will begin immediately without waiting for the building construction – farmers will be taught by showing them with their own eyes, not just by telling.
Through this KVK, research from Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)’s 113 institutions and more than 1,700 KVK institutions will be taken directly to the farmers of the Vidisha region through mobile, demos and training. This live laboratory will serve as a centre of excellence for scientific farming practices in the region.
Respectable income on two and a half acres
Shivraj Singh said that lands have become smaller due to division, but even on two and a half acres (one hectare), if integrated farming is done properly, the livelihood of the entire family can be comfortably sustained.
‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’: Less fertiliser, Right fertiliser, Right advice
While expanding his nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’, Shivraj Singh Chouhan made an emotional appeal to farmers in Vidisha to save Mother Earth. He said that applying chemical fertilisers and pesticides indiscriminately without testing the soil will destroy the fertility of the earth, therefore the campaign of soil testing of every farmer’s field and ‘Soil Health Card’ will be intensified.
Agri Clinic, Helpline and Mobile App for advice at every field
Union Minister Shivraj Singh announced that an ‘Agri Clinic’, a hospital for crops, will be established in this model KVK of Vidisha, where farmers will bring samples of plants, leaves or soil and scientists will identify the disease and immediately suggest treatment.
Strictness on fake fertilisers
Union Minister Chouhan, addressing farmers’ biggest concern of fake fertilisers, pesticides and seeds, clearly said that whoever cheats with farmers will not be spared at any cost. He appealed to farmers to take proper bills, check authenticity through QR codes and immediately complain about fake material, and assured that the government will take strict action.