Union Minister calls PM Narendra Modi’s appeal a “national mission for reconstruction” as ministries adopt austerity and sustainability measures

Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced a series of administrative and behavioural measures aimed at promoting resource conservation, indigenous products, balanced lifestyles and sustainable agriculture following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal for prudent use of resources.

During a high-level meeting held at Krishi Bhavan with senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Rural Development and Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Shri Chouhan described the Prime Minister’s message as a “great national mission for reconstruction of the nation.”

The minister outlined several measures including reducing foreign travel, promoting domestic tourism, encouraging public transport usage, supporting indigenous products and accelerating natural farming initiatives.

Key Highlights

• Shivraj Singh Chouhan reduces official convoy to three vehicles
• Ministries directed to prioritise ‘Vocal for Local’ and indigenous products
• Officials advised to avoid unnecessary foreign travel and gold purchases
• Ministries asked to explore work-from-home and hybrid models
• Public transport and Metro rail usage to be encouraged
• ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ to be launched for balanced fertiliser use
• Natural and organic farming push planned on 25% of agricultural land
• Over 18 lakh farmers currently practising natural farming nationwide

Ministries Asked to Promote Indigenous Products

Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan directed ministry officials and employees to actively promote indigenous products under the ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Swadesh Abhiyan’ initiatives.

Officials were asked to encourage at least five other families each to adopt local products and reduce dependence on imported goods.

The minister also instructed departments to prioritise Indian products in:

• Training programmes
• Official meetings
• Procurement activities
• Food and hospitality arrangements

Special emphasis was placed on promoting Indian millets and domestically produced edible oils.

Push for Domestic Tourism and Reduced Foreign Travel

Calling India rich in natural beauty and cultural diversity, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan urged citizens to prioritise domestic tourism over overseas vacations.

The minister also announced that foreign visits by ministry officials would take place only when absolutely necessary, with virtual meetings and video conferencing encouraged as the default approach.

He directed departments to maximise use of:

• Virtual platforms
• E-office systems
• Video conferencing infrastructure

Work-from-Home and Sustainable Mobility Encouraged

As part of resource optimisation efforts, the minister asked officials to assess adoption of work-from-home and hybrid work systems without compromising efficiency.

Use of public transport, Metro rail and electric vehicles was also encouraged at the ministry level.

In a symbolic move, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that his official convoy would now be reduced to only three vehicles.

‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ to Promote Balanced Fertiliser Use

Expressing concern over excessive chemical fertiliser usage, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the launch of a nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’.

The campaign will focus on:

• Balanced fertiliser use
• Soil health awareness
• Promotion of natural farming
• Organic farming expansion

According to the minister, overuse of fertilisers is harming soil fertility and long-term agricultural sustainability.

To support the initiative, 1,657 teams led by ICAR scientists have reportedly been formed to train and educate farmers at the village level.

Target to Expand Natural Farming Across India

The Centre is targeting expansion of natural and organic farming practices to at least 25 percent of India’s agricultural land.

Currently, more than 18 lakh farmers are practising natural farming across over 8 lakh hectares nationwide.

Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said he would personally write to elected public representatives, urging them to adopt natural and organic farming on at least 25 percent of their own land holdings.

Long-Term Vision for Sustainable Development

The minister stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal reflects a broader long-term vision focused on national self-reliance, sustainability and responsible resource utilisation over the next several decades.

Officials have been directed to prepare a detailed action plan so that the Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development can implement the initiatives in a structured and measurable manner.