Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that while India today is self-reliant in the production of wheat and rice, it is equally important to reduce agricultural costs so that farming becomes more profitable.

Chouhan made the statement while addressing the 64th All India Wheat and Barley Research Workers’ Workshop as the chief guest at Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Agricultural University, Gwalior on Wednesday.

The Union minister paid tribute to agricultural scientist Dr. M.S. Swaminathan in his centenary year, recalling his unforgettable contribution to the nation’s food self-sufficiency, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. Lauding the hard work of farmers, he said, “India today stands tall as a strong agricultural nation at the global stage due to their hard work and our scientists’ research.”

In the past 10–11 years, the production of wheat has increased from 86.5 million tonnes to 117.5 million tonnes — a rise of about 44%, the statement said. “While this achievement is remarkable, we must continue our efforts to bring per-hectare productivity at par with the global average,” he said. “While wheat and rice production is already adequate, the current priority is to increase the productivity of pulses and oilseeds to reduce dependence on imports,” the Union minister added.

Chouhan also highlighted the medicinal value of traditional grains such as barley, which need more emphasis.

The Union minister urged scientists to develop bio-fortified wheat and to work on preventing the harmful impact of the use of imbalanced fertiliser on the quality of soil, the government statement said. Chouhan emphasised the importance of stubble management and educating farmers to adopt modern technologies, it added. Chouhan said the central government is taking strict action to protect farmers from counterfeit fertilisers and pesticides. “Licenses of companies whose products have damaged crops are being cancelled, and strict action is being taken against offenders,” he said.

The Union minister urged all citizens to use indigenous products in their daily lives and contribute to strengthening the country’s economy. The minister said that integrated farming is the most beneficial path for small and marginal farmers — combining agriculture with animal husbandry, beekeeping, fisheries, and horticulture, as per the official release.

“This conference is not just a formality, but a platform from which actionable suggestions and conclusions will be converted into a concrete roadmap,” he stressed, urging scientists to ensure that their research reaches farmers directly so that the goal of ‘Lab to Land’ can truly be achieved.