Unprecedented Agricultural Triumph: Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Hails Agri Boom in Lok Sabha

In a resounding address during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, painted a vivid picture of India’s remarkable agricultural triumph. His statements in the Lok Sabha underscored the profound strides made in the farming sector, highlighting how increased production, reduced input costs, and improved prices for farmers are collectively heralding a new era of prosperity for the nation’s backbone – its agricultural community.

Chouhan’s assertions are not mere rhetoric; they are backed by impressive figures and strategic initiatives that have reshaped the agricultural landscape over the past decade.

The Pillars of Agricultural Triumph: Key Highlights from LS Address

• Soaring Production Figures:
  • Food grain production in India has witnessed a dramatic surge, increasing from 240.42 million tonnes in 2013-14 to an impressive 353.96 million tonnes. This significant growth of approximately 47% underscores a sustained push towards enhanced food security and surplus.
  • Pulses production has similarly seen substantial growth, rising from 16.38 million tonnes to 25.24 million tonnes.
  • Oilseed production has jumped from 27.51 million tonnes to 42.61 million tonnes, contributing to reducing India’s reliance on imports.
  • Milk production has also seen a remarkable boost, escalating from 137.7 million tonnes to 249.30 million tonnes, reflecting a thriving dairy sector.
• Cost Reduction and Financial Support for Farmers:
  • The government has implemented various measures to reduce input costs, a crucial factor in improving farmers’ net income. While specific details on cost reduction initiatives were emphasized, the broader framework includes subsidies and efficient resource management.
  • PM-KISAN Scheme: Over 10 crore farmers have directly benefited from the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, receiving a total of ₹2 lakh crore in financial assistance. This direct benefit transfer has been instrumental in providing liquidity and stability to farming households.
  • Enhanced Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Funding: Credit availability for farmers has seen an exponential increase. KCC funding, which stood at ₹7 lakh crore during the previous regime, has now soared to ₹25 lakh crore under the current government, ensuring easier access to institutional credit for agricultural activities.
  • Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): This crop insurance scheme has proven to be a robust safety net. Farmers have received claims amounting to ₹1.43 lakh crore, against premiums of ₹35,000 crore, significantly mitigating the impact of crop losses due to natural calamities.
• Ensuring Better Prices and Market Mechanisms:
  • The government has steadfastly ensured that farmers receive fair and remunerative prices for their produce. A significant policy shift has been the commitment to providing a Minimum Support Price (MSP) that guarantees at least 50% profit over the cost of production – a demand long-standing by farmer communities.
  • Subsidies on essential fertilizers like urea and DAP have further contributed to boosting farmer incomes by reducing their operational expenses.

Strategic Vision for Continued Agricultural Triumph

Shri Chouhan emphasized that the current agricultural triumph is a result of a comprehensive vision under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. This vision extends beyond mere production numbers, encompassing a holistic approach to farmer welfare and sustainable agricultural practices.

• Diversification in Farming: Efforts have been made to promote diverse farming practices, including fruits, flowers, vegetables, dairy, fish farming, and animal husbandry, moving beyond a sole reliance on traditional crops.
• “Lab-to-Land” Approach: A key initiative highlighted is the “Lab-to-Land” approach under the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’. Under this campaign, 2,170 teams engaged with over 13.5 million farmers, ensuring that agricultural research is directly aligned with real-world farming needs and challenges.
• Farmer-Centric Research: A significant paradigm shift is that agricultural research topics are no longer solely decided by scientists in Delhi but through direct engagement and discussions with farmers in the fields. This acknowledges farmers as innovators, with scientists now focusing on refining and scaling farmer-led innovations.
• Mechanization and Technology Adoption: Recognizing the increasing difficulty in finding agricultural labor, the government is actively promoting mechanization and the adoption of new technologies. Research is focusing on disease-resistant crop varieties, improved seeds through techniques like genome editing, and timely disease identification.
• “One Nation – One Agriculture – One Team”: This mantra encapsulates the government’s commitment to an integrated platform where farmers, scientists, institutions, and policymakers collaborate for comprehensive and sustainable agricultural growth.

The Union Minister’s address resonated with confidence, reiterating the government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of farmers and the continued growth of the agricultural sector. The reported agricultural triumph serves as a testament to strategic policymaking and a farmer-centric approach, paving the way for a more prosperous and food-secure India.