Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan shared a comprehensive six-point strategy aimed at enhancing agricultural development and ensuring farmers’ welfare during a press conference. This announcement comes in light of significant achievements and decisions made within the first 100 days of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term. Present at the briefing were key officials, including Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Agriculture: The Backbone of India’s Economy
Minister Chouhan emphasized the critical role of agriculture in the Indian economy, calling it the “backbone” of the nation. With a population of 140 crore citizens to feed, ensuring food security is among the government’s top priorities. He highlighted the importance of farmers, referring to them as the “soul and life” of the agricultural system. Chouhan shared that Prime Minister Modi had pledged to triple efforts to support farmers, and the entire Agriculture Department is committed to working together toward this goal.
Six-Point Strategy for Agricultural Development
The minister outlined a six-point strategy, focusing on increasing production, reducing costs, and modernizing farming practices to improve farmers’ livelihoods.
- Increasing Crop Production:
A significant decision in recent months has been the launch of 109 new varieties of seeds across 65 crops. These seeds are designed to be climate-resilient, pest-resistant, and high-yielding, helping farmers increase their productivity. By boosting yield per hectare, the government aims to make agriculture more profitable and sustainable.
- Reducing Cost of Production:
Chouhan emphasized the importance of reducing input costs alongside increasing production. One key measure is providing affordable fertilizers to farmers. While a bag of urea costs ₹2,366, the government supplies it to farmers for just ₹266. Similarly, a bag of DAP, priced at ₹2,433, is provided for ₹1,350. This subsidy is crucial in lowering farmers’ expenses and increasing profitability.
- Digital Agriculture Mission:
The launch of the Digital Agriculture Mission was another milestone in the ministry’s 100-day agenda. This initiative includes the National Pest Surveillance System, helping farmers monitor pest activity and take proactive steps to protect their crops. Additionally, the government is introducing “Modern Kisan Chaupal – Lab to Land” in October 2024, where scientists will directly share knowledge with farmers, empowering them with the latest agricultural techniques.
- Boosting Horticultural Production:
Recognizing the growing importance of horticulture, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said efforts are underway to promote the cultivation of fruits and vegetables alongside traditional crops. To achieve this, the government is establishing nine modern centers focused on increasing horticultural production and improving farmers’ income.
- PM-KISAN and Financial Assistance to Farmers:
A notable achievement during this period was the release of ₹21,000 crore under the PM-KISAN scheme, benefiting over 9.26 crore farmers. This financial support is essential in helping farmers cover operational costs. As part of the government’s 100-day program, an additional 25 lakh farmers were added to the scheme, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 9.51 crore.
- AI-based Support Through Kisan-eMitra Chatbot:
In an effort to provide real-time assistance to farmers, the Ministry introduced the AI-powered Kisan-eMitra chatbot, which has successfully resolved over 82 lakh queries from 50 lakh farmers in multiple languages. The chatbot is being upgraded to extend its support to other agricultural schemes, such as the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
Promoting Agricultural Trade: Key Policy Decisions
The Union Minister also highlighted significant policy decisions regarding agricultural trade, particularly in the areas of export and import. These decisions aim to promote India’s agricultural exports while safeguarding domestic producers from unfair competition in international markets. The ministry continues to explore opportunities to expand India’s agricultural footprint globally and make Indian farmers more competitive on the world stage.
A Promising Future for Indian Agriculture
In conclusion, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan reiterated the government’s commitment to farmers’ welfare and agricultural development. With innovative strategies like the Digital Agriculture Mission, subsidies for crucial inputs, and the promotion of horticulture, the Ministry aims to create a more prosperous and sustainable future for Indian farmers. Through initiatives such as PM-KISAN and the Kisan-eMitra chatbot, the government is also ensuring that farmers receive financial and technical support at every step.
The press conference underscored the government’s resolve to continue working closely with farmers, scientists, and agricultural experts to make agriculture a thriving and profitable sector, ultimately contributing to India’s overall economic growth.
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