Shivraj Chouhan expresses concern over vacant posts in agricultural institutions

Expressing concern over the large number of vacant posts in agricultural institutions, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday announced that he would write to all Chief Ministers to expedite the filling of vacant posts in agricultural universities and colleges in their respective states.

He also directed the authorities at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to take immediate action to fill these vacancies to ensure quality education.

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He was participating in the National Agricultural Students Conference organised at Pusa, New Delhi. The conference witnessed large participation from agricultural students from across the country, along with thousands joining virtually. Agricultural scientists, professors, and senior officials from the ICAR and agricultural universities also participated.

The conference aimed to promote innovation, research, modern technologies, and knowledge exchange in the agricultural sector. It sought to enhance the quality of agricultural education, inspire young talent, and strengthen research initiatives through active engagement with students.

Mr Chouhan asserted that the future of agricultural students must not be compromised under any circumstances. Referring to the National Education Policy, he stressed the need to provide high-quality agricultural education in the country. To address existing challenges, the minister instructed ICAR to form a student team to collect creative suggestions from agricultural students for improving education and institutional systems.

He emphasised the need for grading agricultural universities and colleges to encourage healthy competition and urged ICAR to study global best practices and adapt them to the Indian context. “If we develop agriculture and villages together, migration will stop — this too is nation-building,” he said. “We must strive for self-reliance so that India’s progress is not dependent on any other nation. A developed and self-reliant India cannot be achieved without the growth of agriculture,” he added.

Highlighting the importance of practical exposure, Mr Chouhan advised that every agricultural student should visit farms at least once a year to gain hands-on experience and understand farmers’ challenges firsthand. He urged students to think of solutions to farmers’ problems and contribute to transforming the overall agricultural landscape of the country.

Encouraging students to lead purposeful lives, he said, “Agricultural students should not lead an ordinary life. They should set a goal and live meaningfully. True living is in giving life to others.”