Centre pushes administrative austerity, fuel savings and sustainable agriculture initiatives following PM Modi’s appeal for frugality and self-reliance

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced a series of administrative and sustainability-focused measures across the Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development aimed at promoting resource conservation, expenditure control and self-reliance.

The decisions were taken during a high-level review meeting at Krishi Bhavan following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for restraint, prudent use of resources and sustainable governance practices.

Key Highlights

• Two zonal agriculture conferences shifted to virtual mode
• 20% rotational work-from-home policy to be implemented
• Weekly car-pooling system introduced in ministries
• Officials pledge to avoid gold purchases for one year except essential family occasions
• Electricity, fuel usage and official travel to face tighter controls
• Public awareness drive planned to reduce edible oil consumption
• Nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ to begin from June 1

Agriculture Ministry Adopts Virtual Governance Measures

As part of cost-saving and efficiency initiatives:

• Upcoming zonal conferences in Guwahati and Visakhapatnam will now be conducted virtually
• Around 20% of ministry employees will work from home on a rotational basis
• Greater use of video conferencing and e-office systems will be encouraged

Officials clarified that core administrative work, coordination with states and file processing will continue without disruption.

According to Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the move is expected to reduce:

• Travel expenses
• Accommodation costs
• Fuel consumption
• Logistical expenditure

while maintaining governance efficiency.

Car-Pooling and Fuel Conservation Measures Introduced

The ministry has also approved:

• A weekly car-pooling system
• Reduction in official vehicle usage by nearly one-third
• Restrictions on unnecessary official visits

The car-pooling initiative will extend up to Director-level officials and aims to reduce:

• Fuel consumption
• Vehicle maintenance costs
• Administrative expenditure

The ministry also plans stricter monitoring of electricity usage in offices, including controlled operation of:

• Air-conditioners
• Computers
• Lights
• Other electrical equipment

Officials Take Voluntary Gold Purchase Pledge

One of the most discussed decisions from the meeting was a collective voluntary pledge by ministry officials to avoid purchasing gold for one year except during special family circumstances such as weddings.

The ministry described the move as:

• A symbolic response to PM Modi’s appeal
• A voluntary social commitment
• An example of personal restraint in the national interest

Campaign Planned to Reduce Edible Oil Consumption

The ministry also announced a nationwide awareness campaign promoting:

• Balanced edible oil consumption
• Health-conscious dietary habits
• Reduced dependence on imported edible oils

The initiative aligns with India’s ongoing:

• Oilseed self-reliance efforts
• Domestic edible oil production mission
• Nutrition-focused agricultural strategy

‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ to Focus on Soil and Fertiliser Balance

A major agricultural component of the decisions is the expansion of the proposed Khet Bachao Abhiyan, which will formally begin nationwide from June 1.

Under the campaign:

• ICAR scientists will visit villages
• Soil testing and nutrient analysis will be conducted
• Farmers will receive scientific fertiliser recommendations
• Awareness around balanced fertiliser use will be promoted

The campaign aims to:

• Prevent excessive fertiliser usage
• Protect soil health
• Reduce input costs
• Lower dependence on imported fertilisers
• Promote natural farming practices

Natural Farming to Get Dedicated Focus During Kharif Conference

The ministry also announced that the upcoming Kharif Conference scheduled for May 28–29 will include a dedicated session on natural farming and balanced fertiliser use.

Acharya Devvrat is expected to be invited to share practical experiences related to natural farming models.

Wider Implications for Food and Agriculture Ecosystem

The measures signal a broader policy direction linking:

• Sustainable governance
• Resource conservation
• Natural farming
• Domestic production
• Nutrition security

The decisions could have implications across:

• Agriculture supply chains
• Food processing
• Edible oil markets
• Sustainable hospitality sourcing
• Organic and natural food sectors

Officials said the ministry aims to position these measures not merely as administrative controls but as part of a larger national movement towards responsible consumption, agricultural sustainability and long-term self-reliance.