23 February 2025, New Delhi: The Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan, inaugurated the Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela 2025 at the Pusa Mela Ground in New Delhi. The event witnessed the Minister actively engaging with scientists and farmers while visiting live demonstrations of major crops. He interacted with them on various aspects, including the yield potential of new crop varieties and the challenges faced in farming.
Addressing the gathering, the Union Minister emphasized his deep-rooted connection with agriculture. He highlighted that, despite holding a ministerial position, he remains a farmer at heart. Sharing his personal farming experience, he stated that he cultivates wheat and paddy and ensures that he visits his farm at least twice a month. He stressed the importance of being present in the field to monitor the crops and avoid potential losses. Drawing from his own experience, he affirmed that agriculture department officers must also visit farmers’ fields and address their issues on the ground rather than working solely from offices. He asserted that he is not a minister who formulates policies sitting in Krishi Bhawan but one who believes in field engagement and direct interaction with farmers to resolve their concerns.
Congratulating ICAR on its research efforts, Shivraj Singh Chauhan acknowledged the significance of the new crop varieties displayed at the event, calling them a remarkable achievement. He praised the relentless dedication of scientists in developing high-yielding seeds. Outlining the government’s six-point strategy for agriculture, he stated that the first priority is to increase agricultural production, which begins with high-quality seeds. ICAR is working diligently to develop superior seed varieties and ensure their availability to farmers. He emphasized the need to establish a direct channel to distribute breeder and foundation seeds to farmers. He also introduced the concept of ‘Modern Agriculture Chaupal,’ an initiative that will facilitate the transfer of agricultural knowledge from laboratories to the fields. He directed ICAR to take the lead in implementing this initiative, which will commence next month.
The Minister highlighted the second major goal of reducing the cost of production. He explained that increasing productivity inherently reduces production costs, and several government schemes support this objective. He announced that on February 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will transfer funds to farmers’ accounts under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme in Bhagalpur. Sharing his upcoming plans, he mentioned his visit to Bihar to interact with Makhana farmers and understand their cultivation techniques. He also recalled his recent visits to betel nut producers and an integrated farm in Pusa, where he observed diverse farming activities, including fish farming and poultry farming within a one-hectare setup.
Further elaborating on the government’s agricultural strategy, he stressed the importance of ensuring farmers receive fair prices for their produce. He noted that the Minimum Support Price (MSP) has been consistently increased to safeguard farmers’ incomes. The government is committed to procuring crops like wheat, rice, lentils, urad, and tur. He pointed out the disparity in pricing, where farmers sell produce at lower rates while prices surge in metro cities like Delhi and Mumbai. To counter this, he announced a government plan wherein NAFED will bear transportation costs to ensure fair pricing for farmers. He also highlighted recent policy decisions such as raising import duties on edible oil to 27.5% to protect soybean farmers and lifting export bans on rice to boost agricultural trade. He assured that the government is actively working on eliminating intermediary profits and securing better earnings for farmers.
Shivraj Singh Chauhan reiterated his commitment to direct engagement with farmers and regular consultations with farmer organizations. He announced his visit to Kurukshetra and Chandigarh to gather farmer insights. Addressing concerns over declining red chilli prices in Andhra Pradesh, he revealed that the government has permitted its purchase under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) to support chilli growers.
The Minister underscored the significance of safeguarding farmers against natural calamities through the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. He highlighted that agricultural loan allocations have surged from Rs 7 lakh crore to Rs 25 lakh crore, benefiting farmers nationwide.
He invited farmers to share their suggestions, reaffirming the government’s commitment to their welfare. Stressing the role of agriculture in India’s development, he assured that newly developed crop varieties showcased at the event will be swiftly made available to farmers. Reflecting on India’s agricultural journey, he reminded the audience of a time when the country had to import wheat under the PL 480 agreement with the U.S. Today, India stands as a food provider for many nations, a feat achieved through the dedication of its farmers. He concluded by urging continued collective efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector.
📢 Reach Farmers, Share Your Story, and Grow Your Brand! Got news to share? A company story to highlight? Looking to launch an impactful advertising campaign? Connect with us at info@krishakjagat.org or nimishgangrade@krishakjagat.org and make your mark!
📢 Connect with 100+ Million Farmers! India’s leading farmers rely on Krishak Jagat’s Hindi website for trusted agriculture news, advisory and insights.Click here to explore!
