CM Rekha Gupta attends IARI’s 122nd Foundation Day

CM praises agricultural scientists, says convergence of farming and technology is key to a developed India

Delhi govt and IARI to work together on improving soil health and expanding green cover: CM

New Delhi, April 2026 : Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta on Wednesday attended the 122nd Foundation Day celebrations of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute as the chief guest. She extended her greetings to the institute and paid tribute to scientists, researchers and experts associated with the agricultural sector. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the institute has played a crucial role in strengthening the country’s farmers. By bridging the gap between farms and laboratories, she said, IARI has shaped Indian agriculture—from the Green Revolution to modern technologies—while reinforcing food security and self-reliance.

During the event, she also released two publications titled ‘Improved Crop Varieties for Food, Nutrition and Livelihood Security’ and ‘Precision Floriculture and Landscape Design.’ The programme was attended by Delhi Cabinet Minister Shri Ravinder Indraj Singh and Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, along with other dignitaries. The Chief Minister also visited an exhibition at the institute, where she closely observed new agricultural technologies, research-driven innovations and modern farming models. She interacted with scientists and appreciated their work.

She said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Developed India’ is rooted in ‘developed agriculture and prosperous farmers.’ Under his leadership, she noted, agriculture is becoming more modern, efficient and sustainable through precision farming, climate-smart agriculture and AI-based technologies. Highlighting environmental concerns, she stressed that conservation is the need of the hour and called for greater efforts in tree plantation, vertical gardening, water conservation and rainwater harvesting. She urged citizens, institutions and communities to actively participate and emphasised prioritising native tree species such as peepal, neem, banyan and mango.

The Chief Minister further said that, for the first time, around 4,200 hectares of the Ridge area have been notified to expand green cover. She also sought IARI’s cooperation in improving soil fertility, promoting urban greenery and undertaking scientific plantation. Emphasising the balanced use of natural resources, she called upon scientists, researchers and students to contribute towards improving groundwater levels, agricultural development and urban farming. Reaffirming the government’s commitment, she said Delhi will continue to promote farmers, agricultural research and technological innovation to further empower the farming community.

Speaking on the occasion, Delhi’s Minister for Social Welfare, SC, and ST Welfare Shri Ravinder Indraj Singh highlighted the need to conserve and revive traditional water sources—earlier known as johads and ponds, and now referred to as water bodies. He said their restoration would help improve groundwater levels and water quality in Delhi. He noted that excessive use of chemical fertilisers in recent years has adversely affected both the environment and public health. However, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, farmers are increasingly shifting towards organic farming, a trend now visible in Delhi as well.

He added that organic produce must receive fair prices to ensure farmers are adequately incentivised and economically strengthened. Praising the ‘Green Delhi’ initiatives led by the Chief Minister, he said these measures would benefit both farmers and the environment. Despite increasing urbanisation, he pointed out, nearly 50,000 hectares of land in Delhi are still under cultivation, and farmers continue to play a vital role. With sustained government support, farmers are being encouraged to adopt new technologies and sustainable practices. He expressed confidence that collective efforts would help make Delhi cleaner, greener and healthier.