Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday, 14 May announced a sweeping set of austerity and energy-conservation measures across all ministries under his charge, responding directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for fuel savings, self-reliance, and reduction in avoidable government expenditure. The decisions were taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Chouhan in New Delhi.

Key Decisions Announced

The most visible step is a reduction in Chouhan's official convoy to just three vehicles — a move he described as both symbolic and practical in curbing fuel consumption and unnecessary costs. Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Rural Development, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and the Department of Land Resources attended the meeting and were directed to submit a detailed action plan within two days.

Chouhan also asked departments to explore a rotational, work-from-home attendance model under which employees handling similar responsibilities could attend office on alternate days — without compromising administrative efficiency. Carpooling among government staff was encouraged as an additional fuel-saving measure.

Foreign Travel and Virtual Meetings

In another significant directive, Chouhan instructed officials to avoid unnecessary foreign travel and to maximise the use of virtual meetings instead. Domestic tourism and local travel were promoted as alternatives to overseas visits. The minister stressed that every rupee saved on non-essential expenditure strengthens the country's economic resolve.

Vocal for Local and Natural Farming Push

'Vocal for Local' and 'Make in India' initiatives are to be actively reinforced in official programmes, with indigenous products and brands given preference. Local food items and coarse cereals — including millets — will be prioritised at government training sessions and events.

Under a new initiative called 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan', the Ministry will launch a nationwide campaign promoting balanced use of chemical fertilisers and the expansion of natural farming. 'Khet Bachao Committees' will be constituted in villages, and farmers will be encouraged to dedicate a portion of their land to natural farming practices.

What the Minister Said

'One of the key messages given by PM Modi is to save energy, reduce unnecessary expenditure, and adopt practices that strengthen the country economically. Keeping that in mind, these decisions have been taken in the national interest,' Chouhan said in a statement.

He added: 'These decisions have been taken in the interest of the nation and the public, and to strengthen the resolve of building a Viksit Bharat. Every department and every employee should contribute to this campaign.'

Broader Context

The announcements follow a broader directive from Prime Minister Modi urging government departments to adopt austerity practices amid a national push for fiscal discipline and energy self-reliance. This is among the first concrete ministerial responses to that appeal, setting a benchmark that other Union ministries may be expected to follow. Awareness campaigns on responsible consumption of edible oils and other resources are also planned as part of the package.