Agriculture Minister Reviews Key Initiatives for Farmers
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, recently conducted a virtual review meeting with Agriculture Ministers from various States and Union Territories. The meeting took place in New Delhi and aimed to assess the progress of several agricultural schemes under the Ministry. Senior officials, including Secretary Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, were also present. During the meeting, Chouhan emphasized the importance of accelerating agricultural development and farmer welfare in the new year. He referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s commitment to work with renewed vigor in his third term and urged all stakeholders to do the same.
Focus on Agricultural Growth and Farmer Welfare
Shri Chouhan expressed optimism about the agricultural sector’s growth rate, which is projected to be between 3.5% and 4% this year. He credited this positive outlook to the hard work of farmers and state ministers. The Union Minister outlined a six-point strategy aimed at enhancing farmer welfare and agricultural development. This strategy includes increasing production per hectare, reducing production costs, and adopting innovative agricultural practices.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) plays a crucial role in this strategy by researching and developing improved seed varieties. Additionally, the government is investing in micro-irrigation, mechanization, and technology to boost productivity. Chouhan highlighted the importance of reducing production costs to increase farmers’ income, stating that these efforts are essential for sustainable agricultural growth.
Financial Support and Subsidies for Farmers
A significant aspect of the meeting was the discussion on financial support for farmers. Chouhan highlighted the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, which has distributed ₹3.46 lakh crore to 11 crore farmers in 18 installments. He noted that over 25 lakh eligible farmers were added in the first 100 days of Modi’s third term, bringing the total beneficiaries of the 18th installment to 9.58 crore.
The Union Minister also discussed the PM Crop Insurance Scheme, which is recognized as the world’s largest crop insurance initiative. To date, approximately 14.28 crore farmers have applied for coverage, with a gross insured amount of ₹2.73 lakh crore. Chouhan mentioned that 4 crore farmers have benefited from this scheme, receiving ₹17,000 crore in claims since its inception. Furthermore, he announced an increase in the fertilizer subsidy to help reduce production costs, ensuring that farmers can access essential inputs at affordable prices.
Advancements in Agricultural Infrastructure
In addition to financial support, the meeting addressed the need for improved agricultural infrastructure. Under the Agri Infra Fund, lending institutions are expected to provide loans totaling ₹1 lakh crore. Chouhan reported that projects worth ₹85,314 crore have been approved, with ₹51,783 crore already allocated. This investment aims to enhance the agricultural sector’s infrastructure, which is vital for increasing productivity and ensuring food security.
Chouhan also emphasized the importance of crop legalization and the continuous rise in food grain and horticulture production. He noted that food grain production has increased from 265.05 million tonnes in 2013-14 to 328.85 million tonnes in 2023-24. The government is also promoting the cultivation of oil palm under the National Edible Oil Mission, allocating ₹993 crore to support this initiative.
Addressing Rural Poverty and Future Goals
During the meeting, Chouhan expressed satisfaction with the State Bank of India’s report indicating that rural poverty has dropped below 5% for the first time in the financial year 2024. This marks a significant decline from previous years, showcasing the effectiveness of various government initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation. The Union Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to improving the lives of farmers and rural communities.
Chouhan concluded the meeting by inviting suggestions for the upcoming budget and ongoing schemes. He emphasized the importance of collaboration among states to address farmers’ challenges effectively. The Union Minister’s focus on sustainable practices, such as promoting natural farming, reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship while enhancing agricultural productivity. As agriculture remains the backbone of the Indian economy, these initiatives aim to uplift farmers and ensure a prosperous future for the agricultural sector.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.