“Give preference to ‘Made in India’ products” – Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Shivraj Singh Chouhan today visited the Indian Council of Agricultural Research–Indian Institute of Maize Research (ICAR-IIMR) in Ludhiana, Punjab, during which he inaugurated the newly constructed administrative building and interacted with maize stakeholders, farmers, beneficiaries of rural development schemes, and members of women Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The Union Minister also addressed a press conference, highlighting key central government initiatives and development programmes for Punjab in the fields of agriculture and rural development.

The event was attended by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries Shri Ravneet Singh Bittu, and Punjab Agriculture Minister Shri Gurmeet Singh Khudian.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Chouhan said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the central government’s foremost goals are to increase foodgrain production, reduce production costs, and raise farmers’ incomes. He noted that while India is fully self-sufficient in wheat and rice, diversification in agriculture is essential. “After wheat and rice, maize is the third most important crop in our country. Beyond being a food crop, it has multiple industrial uses. Maize can also serve as a sustainable alternative to paddy, conserving water while yielding better returns for farmers,” the Union Minister said. Shri Chouhan emphasised the importance of the Indian Institute of Maize Research, noting that its work has played a vital role in improving maize productivity and supporting agricultural diversification.