No Lab Coat Needed—Chouhan Says Farmers Are India’s Greatest Scientists

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Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has declared that “there is no scientist greater than a farmer,” highlighting the indispensable role of farmers’ practical knowledge in shaping India’s agricultural future. His remarks came during the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan event at the Himalayan Cultural Centre in Dehradun, where he interacted directly with farmers as part of a nationwide campaign.

Key Highlights:

Chouhan emphasized that the real laboratory for agricultural science is the field, not the research center, and called for a strong partnership between scientists and farmers to drive innovation and address ground-level challenges.
The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan aims to bridge the gap between “lab and land” by deploying 16,000 scientists in teams to visit villages across India, engaging with farmers and gathering feedback on regional issues, climate, and soil conditions.
In Uttarakhand alone, 75 scientific teams are in direct dialogue with local farmers, while nationwide, over 2,170 teams are working to ensure research is aligned with real-world needs.
Chouhan stressed the importance of two-way communication: scientists learning from farmers’ field experience and farmers benefiting from new technologies and research, especially in the face of climate change and evolving agricultural challenges.

The campaign also focuses on promoting climate-resilient seeds, better fertilizer use, and awareness of government schemes, aiming to raise productivity and sustainability.

Chouhan’s message underscores a shift in policy thinking: recognizing farmers as innovators and essential partners in agricultural advancement, not just beneficiaries of scientific progress.

Source: Press Information Bureau, Times of India, Economic Times, The Statesman, Babushahi