Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, addressed a massive congregation of 20,000 farmers at the Global Vikas Trust (GVT) Krishikul in Beed district, Maharashtra, on November 7, 2025. The conference served as a vital platform for direct engagement with farmers and showcased the government’s latest initiatives to strengthen rural and agricultural development.
Major Announcements and Commitments
Shri Chouhan, during his address, made several crucial commitments aimed at supporting farmers:
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He assured that every rupee of crop insurance under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana would reach farmers and that the government would directly intervene if required to resolve any claim discrepancies.
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The Minister declared that in case of severe crop damage, the Centre would provide a special relief package for Maharashtra, supplementing assistance already delivered through the National Disaster Response Fund.
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A new bill against the production and sale of fake fertilisers, seeds, and pesticides is set to be introduced in the upcoming Budget Session, reflecting the government’s determination to protect farmers’ interests.
Focus on Innovation, Climate Resilience, and Welfare Schemes
Shri Chouhan called for the development of climate-resilient seeds and the promotion of natural farming as key strategies for advancing Indian agriculture in the face of erratic weather conditions. He emphasised the government’s commitment to delivering high-quality seeds, encouraging less chemical dependency, and shifting towards more sustainable agricultural practices.
During the conference, he highlighted the distribution of 30 lakh houses to Maharashtra under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and indicated that more families would benefit after an ongoing survey is completed. The Minister also outlined plans to reform fertiliser subsidies and improve transparency by considering direct transfers to farmers’ accounts.
Direct Dialogue and Practical Solutions
Prior to his address, Shri Chouhan held face-to-face interactions with farmers, listening to stories on silk farming, water conservation, and adoption of new technologies. He advocated for broader adoption of successful rural models and cluster-based farming to enhance market linkages and profits. The Minister stressed the integration of farming with allied activities like beekeeping and fisheries for boosting farm incomes.
Underlining the aim of “doubling farmer incomes,” he called for diversified cropping patterns—including fruits, vegetables, and agroforestry—and championed cluster-based procurement and local processing units. Chouhan confirmed that the government is investing MGNREGA funds in drought-prone areas for water conservation to strengthen irrigation and improve rural resilience.
National Pride and Unity
Concluding his address, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan greeted farmers and the public on the 150th anniversary of the national song ‘Vande Mataram,’ linking the spirit of patriotism to the government’s resolve for farmer welfare. He reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to ensuring that every farmer’s life is marked by “dignity, prosperity, and self-reliance”.
Conclusion
The Maharashtra farmers’ conference reflected the government’s responsiveness and multi-pronged strategy towards sustainable agricultural growth, disaster support, and rural livelihood security. The event embodied a collaborative approach between policymakers and farmers, driving forward India’s vision of a thriving, resilient, and inclusive agricultural sector.
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Source: PIB
