Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy, and farmers are its soul, emphasised Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, during a discussion with farmers in Patna. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of farmers across the country.
To address the challenges of extreme weather conditions, Minister Chouhan stressed the importance of using climate-friendly seeds that can thrive even in rising temperatures. He expressed his satisfaction that the Prime Minister has dedicated 109 species of 65 crop seeds to farmers, including a variety of rice that requires 30% less water and a millet variety that matures in just 70 days.
Chouhan assured the farmers that he would engage with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to ensure these seeds are made available to them. He outlined his three key resolutions: reducing the cost of production, ensuring farmers receive fair prices for their produce, and promoting agricultural diversification.
“The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi and affordable fertilizer loans through the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) are crucial in helping farmers reduce their production costs,” Chouhan said. He highlighted Bihar’s success in producing export-quality makhana, which has boosted farmers’ incomes. The Minister also pledged to advocate for the establishment of an office in Bihar to further support this industry.
Minister Chouhan emphasized the government’s focus on agricultural diversification and the promotion of high-value crops alongside traditional ones. He also highlighted the potential of food processing in Bihar, noting that the state’s talent could propel both Bihar and India to global leadership in this sector.
Discussing sustainable farming practices, Chouhan raised concerns about the long-term effects of chemical fertilizers, which diminish soil fertility and negatively impact human health. He lamented the disappearance of earthworms, crucial for maintaining soil health, due to excessive use of chemical fertilizers. In response, the government is launching a mission on natural farming under the Prime Minister’s leadership, which Chouhan believes will not only maintain but also enhance agricultural production.