Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday called upon the corporate sector to play a greater role in transforming Indian agriculture through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), urging industry to invest in agricultural research, agri-tech, climate-resilient farming, skill development and women-led rural enterprises.
Addressing the ICAR Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Conclave 2026 in the national capital, Chouhan said CSR should not be viewed merely as a statutory requirement but as a moral responsibility rooted in India’s tradition of trusteeship. “The nation gives us everything; we must learn to give back,” the minister said, adding that industries should become active partners in nation-building by dedicating a portion of their resources towards the welfare of farmers and rural communities.
He emphasised that agricultural research must move beyond laboratories and directly benefit farmers. “The journey from ‘Science to Farmers’ must be accelerated, and the corporate sector can play a decisive role in achieving this objective,” he said.
Citing the example of the jute sector, Chouhan said technological innovations have significantly reduced the time required for fibre extraction while improving quality, but stressed that such technologies need rapid commercialisation to benefit farmers. “This cannot be achieved by the government alone and requires active participation from the private sector,” he said.
Highlighting the priorities for CSR investments, Chouhan said corporate support could strengthen climate-resilient agriculture, soil health management, nutrition-secure food systems, agricultural skill development, agri-tech startups, drone pilot training and women farmers’ entrepreneurship.
Expressing concern over declining soil organic carbon and indiscriminate use of fertilisers and pesticides, he said protecting soil health is essential for sustaining agricultural productivity and suggested that initiatives such as the Soil Health Card programme could be further strengthened through CSR support.
The minister advocated promoting nutritious, seasonal and climate-appropriate food habits. Recalling India’s traditional concept of “Food as Medicine”, he said, “People should not live merely to eat, but eat what is necessary for a healthy life,” adding that improving public health should go hand in hand with increasing agricultural production.
Chouhan also urged greater corporate investment in agri-tech startups, food processing, agricultural training institutions and rural entrepreneurship, particularly among youth. “Many young people do not wish to abandon farming if meaningful opportunities are available. They are eager to adopt modern agriculture and agri-entrepreneurship, and CSR can create new opportunities for such youth,” he said.
Emphasising the growing role of women in agriculture, he said initiatives such as Drone Didi and women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are driving a new rural enterprise revolution. He urged companies to accord special priority to women farmers, women’s groups and rural entrepreneurship in their CSR programmes.
While appreciating the commitments made by corporate representatives during the conclave, Chouhan reminded industry that although the law mandates companies to spend two per cent of their profits on CSR, the objective should extend beyond legal compliance. “It should not be viewed merely as a legal obligation but as a moral responsibility towards society,” he said.