India, May 20 -- Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, inaugurated the Annual Conference of Vice-Chancellors of Agricultural Universities and Directors of ICAR Institutes at Dr. C. Subramaniam Auditorium, NASC Complex, Pusa, New Delhi today. In his address, the union minister emphasized that the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is the pride of the nation when it comes to research and extension. He asserted that in order to attain the vision of a "Viksit Bharat", agriculture must be advanced, and farmers must be empowered. Referring to farmers as equivalent to God, who nurture the world; he stated that they truly deserve our respect and reverence. Ensuring their w...