6 October 2026, Indore
Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, delivered the valedictory address at the two-day farmer training programme on “Improved Technologies for Soybean Production, Crop Protection, Value Addition and Processing”, organised by ICAR–National Soybean Research Institute, Indore, on 5–6 October 2026.
Emphasising the need to make agriculture more remunerative and improve farmers’ incomes, Shri Chouhan stated, “Farmers should not be compelled to leave their villages; instead, agriculture must be made more remunerative to ensure better returns and higher incomes. Despite cultivating different crops and varieties, farmers often do not receive adequate returns. Demonstration plots should, therefore, be established under the direct supervision of scientists from various ICAR institutes, focusing on reducing the cost of cultivation, enhancing productivity and improving the quality of agricultural produce.”
Under the guidance of the agriculture minister, a comprehensive initiative is being implemented in villages across Raisen, Vidisha, Sehore and Dewas districts of Madhya Pradesh under the Madhya Pradesh Agriculture Roadmap–2026. As part of the initiative, various ICAR institutes working on different crops are establishing crop-specific demonstration plots in these districts and organising training programmes to enhance farmers’ technical knowledge, skills and awareness of improved agricultural technologies.
As part of the initiative, ICAR-NSRI organised the two-day training programme for around 20 selected farmers from different villages of Sehore district, including Baya, Makodiya, Satar, Nimna, Chincha, Chanda, Grahan, Riheti, Bordi, Sardar Nagar, Kawda and Jahanpur. Farmers from Bherunda, Salakanpur, Ladkui, Chakladi and Gopalpur also participated in the programme.
Training on Improved Soybean Production Technologies
During the training, farmers were provided detailed information on improved soybean production technologies, with special emphasis on raised-bed and Broad Bed and Furrow (BBF) methods of sowing. Scientists explained the benefits of these methods in crop establishment, water management, reduction in cultivation costs and enhancing crop resilience under adverse weather conditions.
The participants were also sensitised to the management of biotic and abiotic stresses, weed management, insect-pest and disease management, and other important crop protection measures. They visited various demonstration plots at the Institute, where scientists explained the practical application and field-level benefits of the technologies.
Focus on Value Addition and Soybean Processing
A key feature of the programme was a live demonstration on soybean processing, value addition and preparation of soybean-based food products. The experts demonstrated the preparation of soybean-based products, including soy milk, paneer, upma, halwa and cookies.
The farmers observed the preparation process and tasted the products, appreciating their taste, quality and nutritional potential. The scientists highlighted the potential of processing and value addition to create additional income-generating opportunities for farmers and rural households.
Exposure to Seed Processing and Demonstration Activities
The farmers also visited the Institute’s seed processing unit and were familiarised with various aspects of quality seed production and processing. They visited research and demonstration activities at the Institute and interacted with scientists on different aspects of soybean production.
Throughout the programme, the participants actively interacted with the scientists and discussed their field-level challenges and queries. The scientists provided practical and location-specific guidance to address the farmers’ concerns.
The programme was organised under the leadership of Dr K. H. Singh, Director, ICAR-NSRI, Indore.
On the concluding occasion, the scientists emphasised that merely providing technical information is not sufficient to ensure the adoption of improved agricultural technologies. Demonstrations, hands-on training, direct scientific supervision and successful field-level adoption are essential for translating scientific knowledge into tangible benefits for farmers.
The programme highlighted the importance of improved production technologies, scientific guidance, value addition and processing in enhancing soybean productivity, reducing cultivation costs, improving the quality of agricultural produce and increasing farmers’ income. ICAR-NSRI, Indore, continues to support the implementation of the Madhya Pradesh Agriculture Roadmap–2026 by taking improved soybean production, crop protection, processing and value-addition technologies to farmers through systematic training and field demonstrations.
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