Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed the ICAR Corporate Social Responsibility Conclave 2026, urging the corporate sector to embrace the Indian ethos of trusteeship and dedicate part of their earnings toward farmer welfare, agricultural research, and rural communities through CSR initiatives. The minister emphasized that research must serve as a bridge from "Science to Farmers," ensuring CSR investments create tangible impact in climate-resilient agriculture, soil health, nutrition-secure food systems, agricultural skill development, and women farmers' entrepreneurship.
Chouhan invoked Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of trusteeship, stating that wealth holders are trustees rather than owners, and that the true spirit of CSR lies in voluntarily dedicating corporate earnings for national welfare. He clarified the government's approach is not about taking resources but creating opportunities for talent and enterprise to flourish, enabling entrepreneurs to generate wealth and subsequently invest in society. The minister noted that many industrialists have long contributed to public welfare without legal mandate, and the CSR law has institutionalized this social responsibility.
The minister stressed that agricultural research must directly benefit farmers rather than remain confined to laboratories, referencing the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan campaign aimed at bringing scientists closer to farmers. He cited the jute sector example where traditional fiber extraction requires 25 days of water soaking, while new machines can extract superior-quality fiber in significantly less time, emphasizing that such technologies require private sector participation for rapid commercialization.
Five thematic areas were highlighted for CSR focus: making agriculture climate-resilient, protecting soil health, securing farmers' incomes and public health, and promoting nutritious, seasonal, and climate-appropriate food. Chouhan expressed concern over declining organic carbon levels in soil and indiscriminate fertilizer and pesticide use without proper testing, suggesting the Soil Health Card programme could be strengthened through CSR support. He recalled India's traditional "Food as Medicine" concept, emphasizing the need for seasonal, balanced, and nutritious food to address health concerns like cancer.
Specific avenues for CSR support include agri-tech startups, agricultural training institutions, capacity building of drone pilots, and development of agri-business leaders and food processors. The minister noted that youth are eager to adopt modern agriculture and agri-entrepreneurship if meaningful opportunities exist. He particularly emphasized support for women farmers and Self-Help Groups through initiatives like Drone Didi and women-led SHGs, urging corporations to prioritize women farmers and rural entrepreneurship in CSR initiatives.
Corporate representatives presented commitments toward national development during the conclave. Chouhan reminded participants that while law mandates companies allocate 2% of profits toward CSR, this should be viewed as moral responsibility rather than legal obligation. The event was held at Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, NASC Complex, New Delhi, with participation from corporate leaders, scientists, policymakers, farmer representatives, and Ministers of State Shri Ramnath Thakur and Shri Bhagirath Choudhary.