Union Agriculture Minister urges industry to invest CSR funds in agri-tech, startups, climate-smart farming, women entrepreneurs and research to strengthen India’s agricultural ecosystem.

Key Highlights

• Shivraj Singh Chouhan calls on Corporate India to strengthen agriculture through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
• CSR investments sought for agri-tech startups, skill development, drone pilots and agricultural innovation.
• Minister urges faster transfer of ICAR research from laboratories to farmers’ fields.
• Focus on climate-resilient farming, soil health, nutritious food systems and sustainable agriculture.
• Special emphasis on empowering women farmers, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and rural entrepreneurship.
• Corporate sector encouraged to commercialise agricultural technologies for faster farmer adoption.
• Minister says CSR should become a moral responsibility, not merely a legal obligation.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan Urges Corporate India to Partner in Agricultural Transformation at ICAR CSR Conclave 2026

New Delhi, July 15: Union Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has called upon Corporate India to become an active partner in transforming Indian agriculture by directing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) investments towards research, innovation, technology adoption and rural entrepreneurship.

Addressing the ICAR Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Conclave 2026, the Minister said India’s agricultural transformation requires stronger collaboration between government, research institutions, industry and farmers to ensure that scientific innovations reach the field faster.

CSR Should Strengthen Agriculture

Highlighting the importance of corporate participation in nation-building, Shri Chouhan urged businesses to invest CSR resources in areas that directly improve farmers’ livelihoods and agricultural productivity.

He identified several priority areas, including:

• Climate-resilient agriculture
• Soil health improvement
• Agricultural research
• Skill development
• Agri-tech innovation
• Nutrition-sensitive farming
• Rural entrepreneurship

The Minister said CSR initiatives should create measurable impact by helping farmers adopt modern technologies and improving the resilience of India’s agricultural sector.

Taking Research from Lab to Land

A key theme of the conclave was accelerating the transfer of agricultural research from laboratories to farmers’ fields.

The Minister stressed that innovations developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) should be commercialised more rapidly so farmers can benefit from improved technologies.

Using the example of the jute sector, he highlighted new fibre extraction technologies that significantly reduce water usage while improving fibre quality. He said greater corporate participation could help scale such innovations across the country.

Support for Agri-Tech Startups and Skill Development

The Minister encouraged companies to use CSR funds for nurturing the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs.

He highlighted opportunities for investment in:

• Agri-tech startups
• Agricultural incubation centres
• Food processing enterprises
• Drone pilot training
• Agricultural skill development
• Digital agriculture solutions

He observed that India’s youth are increasingly interested in technology-driven farming and agri-business, provided they receive adequate support and market opportunities.

Women at the Centre of Rural Growth

Shri Chouhan also emphasised the need to prioritise women farmers and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under CSR programmes.

Referring to initiatives such as Drone Didi and women-led rural enterprises, he said empowering women through technology, finance and entrepreneurship will strengthen rural economies and create sustainable livelihood opportunities.

The Minister urged corporates to support women-led agri-businesses, food processing units and village enterprises through targeted CSR initiatives.

Climate-Smart and Sustainable Agriculture

The conclave also focused on long-term agricultural sustainability.

The Minister stressed the need to:

• Improve soil organic carbon
• Promote balanced fertiliser use
• Encourage scientific soil testing
• Strengthen Soil Health Card initiatives
• Promote nutritious and seasonal food systems
• Build climate-resilient farming practices

He noted that improving soil health and promoting sustainable agriculture are essential for ensuring long-term food security and protecting farmers’ incomes.

CSR Beyond Compliance

Calling Corporate Social Responsibility an extension of India’s tradition of trusteeship, the Minister said companies should view CSR as a moral commitment to society rather than merely fulfilling the statutory requirement of allocating 2% of profits.

He urged businesses to actively support agricultural innovation, research commercialisation and rural development to contribute towards India’s broader vision of inclusive economic growth.

The conclave brought together policymakers, scientists, corporate leaders and farmer representatives to explore collaborative models for strengthening India’s agricultural ecosystem through CSR partnerships.

Impact on Hospitality, Food Processing and Tourism

The initiatives discussed at the ICAR CSR Conclave have important implications for India’s hospitality, food processing and rural tourism sectors. Increased corporate investment in agri-tech, climate-resilient farming and food processing can improve the availability of high-quality agricultural produce for hotels, restaurants, caterers and packaged food manufacturers.

Support for startups, modern food processing technologies and women-led rural enterprises can strengthen local food supply chains, promote value-added agricultural products and encourage farm-to-table experiences that are increasingly sought by domestic and international travellers. CSR-backed innovation in horticulture, nutrition-focused farming and sustainable agriculture can also enhance culinary tourism by promoting region-specific produce and traditional food systems.

Additionally, investments in rural entrepreneurship and Self-Help Groups can generate new opportunities in agri-tourism, village homestays, handicrafts and local food businesses, creating diversified income sources while enriching authentic tourism experiences across rural India.