Bhopal, April 14, 2026. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday attended the concluding session of the three-day ‘ Unnat Krishi Mahotsav 2026’, in Raisen MP, where he underscored the importance of innovation, adaptability and knowledge-led progress to transform India’s agriculture sector.

Addressing a large gathering of farmers, experts, and stakeholders, Nitin Gadkari stressed the need for agriculture to evolve with changing times. He said the discussions focused on ways to strengthen the sector through better seed selection, advances in irrigation technology, and wider adoption of organic farming practices. Highlighting the ever-changing nature of progress, he noted that what was relevant yesterday may not hold true today, and what matters today may not remain the same tomorrow. Knowledge, influence, and success, he said, are never permanent and must be constantly renewed.

The final day of the national-level agri event featured a range of focused sessions designed to help farmers adopt modern techniques and sustainable practices. The morning began with discussions on self-reliant seed systems for paddy, fisheries and pearl farming, agricultural credit, and Kisan Credit Card initiatives. Parallel engagements, including the KVK meet, brought together experts and grassroots institutions to exchange ideas on improving farm productivity.Later in the day, sessions focused on dairy development, animal husbandry, direct seeding of rice, and income-boosting activities such as poultry and goat farming. Farmer awareness programmes, including street theatre performances, were also held to communicate key issues in a simple and engaging manner.

The event also featured a comprehensive review session, where key takeaways from the three-day deliberations were presented, alongside a roadmap for future agricultural growth and policy direction. The festival drew participation from thousands of farmers across districts, reflecting strong grassroots interest in modernising agriculture. It comes at a crucial time as the sector navigates challenges such as climate variability, crop damage from unseasonal weather, and the need to enhance productivity through technology and sustainable inputs.
The event assumed significance as it showcased ongoing structural reforms in the agriculture sector. Officials highlighted the creation of over 9 crore farmer IDs nationwide, paving the way for a comprehensive digital database that records land holdings, cropping patterns, input use, and yield data. This initiative is expected to enable more targeted policy support and improve the delivery of benefits to farmers. At the event, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also shared that the Union Agriculture Ministry has released a detailed agri roadmap for four districts—Dewas, Sehore, Vidisha, and Raisen—covering key aspects of farming and agricultural research to support region-specific planning and better farm outcomes.With its strong focus on self-reliance, innovation, and farmer-centric policies, the Mahotsav emerged as an important platform for connecting scientific advancements with ground-level farming practices, reinforcing the push for a more resilient and future-ready agricultural economy.