<h1>Agriculture Minister launches scientific initiative to boost vegetable production through genome editing and organic farming methods</h1> The Union Agriculture Minister addressed scientists at the Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, describing the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan as a scientific initiative to improve farmers' conditions rather than mere formality. The minister emphasized advancing genome editing, seed treatment, organic farming, and natural farming to boost vegetable production. Key priorities include protecting farmers from counterfeit fertilizers and substandard seeds, extending tomato shelf life, developing exportable crops, and enhancing coordination between departments and agricultural institutions. The minister praised the Lab to Land programme for farmer-focused research and stressed the need for innovation-driven production increases and better inter-departmental collaboration.