Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Launches National Soil Spectral Library in Nagpur, Announces ‘One Nation-One Agriculture-One Team’ Vision and New Clean Plant Lab in Pune

On May 18, 2025, Union Minister of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare, and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan addressed the Krishi Samvad under the Vikasit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan in Nagpur, Maharashtra. Joined by Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, the event honored progressive farmers and launched key initiatives to boost agricultural productivity and farmers’ income. 

One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team

Shri Chauhan announced the theme “One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team”, emphasizing collaboration between the Central Government, State Government, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and other agricultural institutes. He highlighted Maharashtra’s 11 ICAR institutes out of 113 nationwide and planned a meeting at the National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS & LUP) in Nagpur to strategize agricultural development. 

National Soil Spectral Library Launched

The National Soil Spectral Library, inaugurated on May 18, 2025, made Maharashtra the first state with a soil map. Using hyperspectral sensor technology, it provides data on soil pH, density, and elemental composition, aiding precision farming. Chauhan stressed bridging the gap between laboratories and farmlands to enhance sustainable practices. 

Clean Plant Program and Research Lab

Chauhan announced a national-level laboratory in Pune under the Clean Plant Program to research original plant varieties and ensure disease-free nurseries. He emphasized the importance of quality seeds, soil testing, and cost reduction to boost agricultural production and make farmers self-reliant.

Initiative	Details
National Soil Spectral Library	Provides soil data using hyperspectral technology
Clean Plant Program Lab	To be established in Pune for plant variety research
AI-based Smart Trap	Manages pink bollworm pest in cotton crops

AI-Based Smart Trap and Farmer Support

 

The AI-based Smart Trap technology, launched to combat pink bollworm in cotton crops, alerts farmers to pest infestations. A 15-day campaign from May 29 to June 12, 2025, will see 16,000 ICAR scientists visit villages to guide farmers on sustainable farming and Kharif season planning. Farmers excelling in natural farming, organic farming, and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) were felicitated.

Maharashtra’s Agricultural Vision

 

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis detailed the Wainganga-Nalganga River Linking Project to enhance irrigation in Vidarbha. State Agriculture Minister Adv. Manikrao Kokate highlighted labor shortages in cotton picking and ongoing R&D for battery-operated small tractors. The event underscored Maharashtra’s role in transforming India’s agricultural landscape under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed India. 

Key Highlights of the Event

• Krishi Samvad held on May 18, 2025, in Nagpur under Vikasit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan.
• National Soil Spectral Library launched, making Maharashtra the first state with a soil map.
• Clean Plant Program laboratory to be established in Pune for plant variety research.
• AI-based Smart Trap introduced to manage pink bollworm in cotton crops.
• Farmers honored for excellence in natural farming, organic farming, and FPOs.