New Delhi: Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, convened important meetings today at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi, with Assam’s Minister for Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Shri Atul Bora, and Rajasthan’s Minister for Agriculture, Horticulture & Rural Development, Dr. Kirori Lal Meena. The discussions centered around strengthening agricultural support systems and addressing pressing challenges faced by farmers in both states.
Support for Assam Farmers Amid Floods and Drought
During the meeting with Shri Atul Bora, the Union Minister expressed deep concern over the dual crisis faced by farmers in Assam, where several districts have been affected by severe floods while others face drought conditions. Shri Chouhan announced his intention to visit Assam soon to assess the situation on ground and extend support to the affected farming communities.
In a proactive move, he directed the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to notify suitable crop varieties—such as rajma, masoor (lentil), arhar (pigeon pea), sunflower, fodder maize, garlic, and onion—suited to Assam’s agro-climatic zones. To ease farmers’ access to crop insurance under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), Shri Chouhan approved relaxation of the Digital Farmer Registry mandate for the state.
Further, the Union Minister extended the tenure of the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for the North Eastern Region (MOVCD-NER) by one year in Assam, reinforcing the Centre’s commitment to organic and sustainable agriculture in the Northeast.
Crackdown on Counterfeit Agricultural Inputs in Rajasthan
In his meeting with Dr. Kirori Lal Meena of Rajasthan, Shri Chouhan reviewed the state’s progress in combating the use and sale of counterfeit seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides. Acknowledging the gravity of the issue, the Union Minister assured strict legal action against offenders.
“We are extremely serious about the issue of fake seeds and fertilisers. The government is committed to protecting farmers from fraud and exploitation. We will strengthen existing laws, and the process for legislative amendments is already underway,” Shri Chouhan stated.
He further informed that he had written to all Chief Ministers across the country, urging immediate action against the distribution of spurious agricultural inputs and encouraging tighter state-level monitoring.
A Commitment to Farmer Welfare and Rural Development- Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Shri Chouhan reiterated that the central government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, remains fully committed to the comprehensive development of rural areas and farmer welfare. He emphasized the government’s resolve to stand by farmers in times of crisis and proactively address state-specific agricultural challenges.
The meetings were also attended by Union Agriculture Secretary Shri Devesh Chaturvedi and senior officials from the Ministry, along with respective departmental officials from Assam and Rajasthan.
Source: PIB
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