Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, laid the foundation stone for a model Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Agricultural Science Centre in Berkhedi Jetu, Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, on June 14, 2026. The event focused on direct farmer engagement rather than formal ceremonies, with the Minister describing it as a 'class on farming'.
Model KVK: 49-Acre Live Laboratory
The new center will be developed as the country's model KVK on 49 acres of land, serving as a live laboratory for modern farming practices. Demonstration plots will begin in the current Kharif season, immediately utilizing the fields without waiting for building construction. The KVK will disseminate research from ICAR's 113 institutions and over 1,700 KVKs to local farmers through mobile demonstrations and training.
Scientific Farming Roadmap
A scientific analysis of soil, water, and resources has been completed for Vidisha, Raisen, Sehore, and Dewas districts, leading to a customized crop-pattern roadmap. The KVK will train farmers in integrated farming techniques, demonstrating how to combine grains, pulses, oilseeds, horticulture, animal husbandry, fish farming, beekeeping, and mushroom cultivation on small landholdings (as small as 2.5 acres) to generate sustainable family income.
Khet Bachao Abhiyan (Save Farms Campaign)
The Minister expanded his nationwide campaign with an emotional appeal to save Mother Earth. The initiative emphasizes soil testing and Soil Health Cards to promote balanced fertilizer use, reduce chemical application, and prevent soil fertility destruction. Farmers will be encouraged to practice scientific natural farming on at least half-acre plots to maintain production while improving soil health.
Agricultural Support Systems
An 'Agri Clinic' will be established at the KVK where farmers can bring plant, leaf, or soil samples for disease diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Immediate advice will be available through helpline number 155261 (Bharat Vistaar - Kisan Sarathi) and digital platforms for issues ranging from leaf yellowing to pest attacks. A mobile app will enable real-time soil nutrient analysis and fertilizer requirement calculations (including DAP and urea) directly in the fields.
Input Quality Assurance
The Minister addressed concerns about counterfeit inputs, promising strict action against suppliers of fake fertilizers, pesticides, and seeds. Farmers are advised to obtain proper bills, verify authenticity through QR codes, and report fraudulent materials. The KVK will provide good quality seeds, develop fruit-vegetable nurseries, and offer training on seed selection and treatment to prevent cheating and ensure good crops.
Technology Access for Farmers
Custom Hiring Centres and Machine Banks will be established to provide small and marginal farmers with access to modern equipment including laser levellers, Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) machines, and drip-sprinkler systems on nominal rental basis. Live demonstrations of water-efficient paddy direct seeding, micro irrigation, and laser leveling were conducted following the event to encourage technology adoption.
Value Addition and Entrepreneurship
To address price volatility in tomatoes, vegetables, and fruits, the KVK will provide training in value addition and food processing. Technologies for creating processed products from tomatoes, vegetables, fruits, and grains will be demonstrated, along with packaging and market linkage support to encourage agriculture-based startups. Skill development programs will cover mushroom production, poultry, beekeeping, and dairy activities to create livelihood opportunities for rural youth.
Pulses-Oilseeds Mission and MSP Assurance
The 'Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission' will be accelerated through increased production of pulses (gram, pigeon pea, lentil, black gram) and oilseeds including sesame. Farmers will receive free demonstration plots with good seeds, and cluster-based farming will be promoted. The government assured Minimum Support Price (MSP) procurement for pulses (pigeon pea, black gram, lentil) and subsidies up to ₹25 lakh for establishing dal mills in high-production areas.
Collective Movement and Participation
The program concluded with farmers taking a pledge to save Mother Earth through balanced fertilizer use and soil health improvement. The Khet Bachao Abhiyan is positioned as a mass movement involving scientists, KVKs, ICAR, state governments, public representatives, Self-Help Groups, FPOs, and farmer organizations. Benefits of various schemes were distributed to farmers during the event.
Attendees included Madhya Pradesh Agriculture Minister Shri Aidal Singh Kansana, Revenue Minister Shri Karan Singh, former Minister Shri Surya Prakash Meena, multiple MLAs, ICAR Director General and DARE Secretary Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, CII's Shri Siddharth Chaturvedi, Dhanuka's Shri R. C. Agarwal, IFFCO's Dr. Yogendra Kumar, and scientists and officers from ICAR and the Agriculture Department.