New Delhi: Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, held a virtual review meeting with the Agriculture Ministers of various States and Union Territories to discuss the progress and implementation of key agricultural schemes. Senior officials, including Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, were also present.
During the meeting, Shri Chouhan emphasized the government’s commitment to advancing agricultural development and farmer welfare. He urged all stakeholders to adopt a proactive approach, stating that the new year should bring new resolutions to accelerate progress. He referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for working with greater vigor during the third term and encouraged participants to dedicate their full potential to achieving agricultural goals.
Agriculture Growth and Farmer Contributions; The Union Minister highlighted the impressive growth in the agriculture sector, with an anticipated growth rate of 3.5% to 4% this year. He attributed this achievement to the tireless efforts of farmers and the collaborative work of state governments. Shri Chouhan outlined the government’s six-point strategy for enhancing agricultural productivity, which includes promoting advanced farming techniques, micro-irrigation, and the use of improved seed varieties developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Achievements Under Flagship Schemes; Shri Chouhan lauded the success of flagship initiatives such as the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, under which ₹3.46 lakh crore has been distributed to 11 crore farmers across 18 installments. He also highlighted the achievements of the PM Crop Insurance Scheme, which has become the world’s largest crop insurance program, benefiting over 4 crore farmers and covering 602 lakh hectares of farmland.
He detailed the government’s efforts to reduce production costs, including subsidies on fertilizers and low-interest loans through Kisan Credit Cards. The Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism has also been strengthened, with large-scale procurement of wheat, rice, pulses, and oilseeds to ensure fair prices for farmers.
Sustainable Farming and Future Plans; Shri Chouhan stressed the importance of promoting sustainable farming practices, particularly natural farming, to address the adverse effects of excessive chemical fertilizer usage. He noted the recent Cabinet decision to allocate ₹69,000 crore for crop insurance and increased subsidies for fertilizers like DAP.
He also emphasized the need for technological advancements, announcing that crop loss assessments would now use satellite-based remote sensing to ensure accuracy. In the event of delayed insurance claims, companies will face penalties, including a 12% interest rate on pending amounts.
Collaborative Vision for Agricultural Progress; The meeting focused on gathering suggestions from states to refine existing schemes and shape the upcoming budget. Shri Chouhan urged states to prioritize the Price Deficit Payment Scheme, enhance oilseed production coverage, and support the transportation and storage of crops such as tomatoes, onions, and potatoes.
He also cited a significant decline in rural poverty, as reported by SBI, attributing this to increased agricultural productivity and welfare initiatives. The Union Minister concluded by reaffirming agriculture’s role as the backbone of the Indian economy and the government’s dedication to supporting farmers. He expressed confidence that collaborative efforts would lead to greater agricultural progress and farmer empowerment.
Source: PIB
