Scientists Must Train Farmers in Modern Agricultural Practices: Governor Shri Patel

Bhopal, May 2026 : Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel said that agricultural scientists should provide farmers with practical exposure to modern agricultural technologies. He suggested that the Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering should invite farmers from nearby areas to the institute and familiarise them with useful modern technologies suited to their needs and capacities. Farmers should also receive hands-on training in the use of agricultural machinery so that they can independently adopt these technologies. The Governor said that ‘Mann Ki Baat’ with the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is not merely a radio programme but a symbol of the collective consciousness, strength and resolve of the nation.

Governor Shri Patel was addressing farmers and agricultural scientists before listening to Prime Minister Shri Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme. A collective listening session was organised on Sunday at the auditorium of the Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, attended by farmers and agricultural scientists. Director of Kisan Kalyan Department Shri Umashankar Bhargava was also present on the occasion.

‘Mann Ki Baat’ Reflects the Nation’s Collective Consciousness

Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel said that through the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme, Prime Minister Shri Modi highlights the achievements of unsung heroes from remote corners of the country whose individual efforts have brought significant social transformation. He noted that the programme teaches that no task is insignificant, and when the entire nation thinks and works in one direction with a shared sense of purpose, even the greatest changes can be achieved with ease.

Farmers’ Welfare is the Highest Priority for Both the Central and State Governments

Governor Shri Patel emphasised the need for agricultural scientists to help farmers enhance their capacity to withstand adverse weather conditions and protect crops in the face of changing climatic conditions. He expressed happiness at the participation of women farmers in the programme and said that farmers’ welfare remains the foremost priority of both the Central and State Governments.

Governor Shri Patel stated that governments are committed to taking every possible step to ensure the holistic development of farmers and increase their incomes. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Modi, several initiatives and schemes have been introduced to make agriculture more profitable. For the advancement of modern farming, the Prime Minister has set an ambitious target of creating three crore ‘Drone Didis’ across the country, a step that will significantly enhance women’s participation in agriculture and the rural economy.

Governor Shri Patel also appreciated the Madhya Pradesh Government’s efforts under the Agriculture Welfare Year initiative to increase farmers’ incomes through the promotion of modern agricultural practices.

Recalls Gujarat’s Agricultural Fair Initiative

Sharing memories from his home state of Gujarat, Governor Shri Patel said that he hails from Navsari, which is home to a renowned agricultural university. He recalled that in 2007, Prime Minister Shri Modi, then Chief Minister of Gujarat, launched the historic ‘Krishi Melas’(Agricultural Fairs). Under this innovative initiative, agricultural scientists were taken from laboratories directly to the fields so that they could interact closely with farmers. The Governor noted that these agricultural fairs played a key role in promoting the use of vermicompost as an alternative to chemical fertilizers, thereby strengthening the foundations of organic farming in Gujarat. He further mentioned that India’s eminent agricultural scientist, Late Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, had personally stayed in Gujarat for a month to study the positive impact and long-term outcomes of these agricultural fairs.

Governor Visits Research Centre

Prior to the programme, Governor Shri Patel inspected modern agricultural equipment and technologies developed by the institute. He encouraged the agricultural scientists and expressed satisfaction at the development of farmer-friendly machinery and technologies. In his welcome address, Director Shri C.R. Mehta highlighted the institute’s achievements and innovations. The vote of thanks was delivered by Project Coordinator Shri K.N. Agrawal. The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by the presentation of the ICAR anthem. Advanced agricultural kits were also distributed to farmers under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan.