Farmers’ voices will shape policy, not paperwork: Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on agri reforms

New Delhi: Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, will participate in the ongoing Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan event in Bardoli, Surat district, Gujarat, on June 12. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will also attend the event.

This nationwide 15-day campaign began on May 29 in Odisha in the presence of the Union Minister. Since then, Chouhan has interacted with farmers across various states, including Odisha, Jammu, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, and Delhi. On June 12, he will meet farmers in Gujarat to listen to their practical issues.

Before the main event, the Agriculture Minister will attend a Kisan Chaupal, a farmer’s gathering, to directly hear their concerns. During the program, 2,170 teams of scientists from across the country will join virtually. These teams have so far reached over 10.8 million farmers under the campaign.

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The campaign aims to provide farmers with research-based knowledge tailored to local needs—such as soil fertility, climate conditions, and crop requirements. It also helps researchers gather feedback to shape future agricultural policies.

During his visit to Tiggipur village on the outskirts of Delhi, Shivraj Singh Chouhan participated in a Kisan Chaupal, interacted with local farmers, observed drone technology used in spraying pesticides and nutrients, and visited nurseries. He also appreciated farmers who are using innovative techniques and called them pioneers of modern agriculture.

In his address at the Kisan Sammelan (farmer’s conference), Chouhan said that agricultural research will no longer be limited to closed labs but will be done in collaboration with farmers in the fields. He stated that feedback from villages would shape government schemes.

He encouraged farmers to test their soil regularly and make cropping decisions based on Soil Health Cards, emphasizing that this is key to sustainable farming.

The Minister also highlighted the government’s focus on crop diversification, market-oriented farming, and horticulture-based models, especially in urban regions like Delhi, where market access is strong. He stressed that modern technology is essential for both farming and marketing and assured full government support for farmers.

Chouhan said that Delhi’s farmers, who had earlier missed out on many central schemes, will now be fully included in all agricultural benefits. He listed several schemes such as PM-AASHA, price support and compensation programs, the National Agricultural Development Scheme, greenhouse and polyhouse subsidies, nursery development, agricultural tools support, and crop insurance.

The Minister also warned about strict action against those involved in producing fake pesticides and fertilizers. He said the government will soon introduce tough laws to protect farmers from fraud and exploitation.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan reiterated that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the government is committed to transforming the future of farmers and ensuring their prosperity. The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan is a step towards addressing farmers’ problems, strengthening farmer-scientist dialogue, and accelerating the use of technology in agriculture.