Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan Sets Ambitious Agricultural Goals
In New Delhi, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan announced a target of 341.55 million tons for annual agricultural production. Speaking at the National Agriculture Conference for Rabi crops at the Pusa Institute, Chauhan highlighted significant income growth for farmers in many regions, with some seeing their income triple or quadruple.
Conference Highlights
The conference included agriculture ministers from six states and officials from 31 states. Chauhan, along with Minister of State for Agriculture Ram Nath Thakur and Bhagirath Chaudhary, emphasized the government’s rapid progress in supporting farmers. An official noted that data is being collected to identify areas where farmers’ income has not increased significantly, with plans to focus more on these regions.
Government Initiatives
Chauhan mentioned that within 131 days of the Modi government’s third term, swift decisions have been made to benefit farmers. Around 2.5 million farmers have been added to the Kisan Nidhi Yojana. Starting next month, modern agricultural workshops will be held nationwide to address farming challenges.
The government aims to boost grain production, provide quality seeds, compensate for losses, promote natural farming, and improve storage facilities. Special focus will be on mustard, chickpeas, peanuts, and other crops during the Rabi season.
Response to Opposition
In response to Congress’s claims of being anti-farmer, Chauhan assured that answers will be provided in the upcoming session.
Oilseed Production Goals
The government plans to increase oilseed production from 39.2 MMT in 2022-23 to 69.7 MMT by 2030-31, expand cultivation areas, and improve yields. Research on high-yielding seed varieties and mechanization for pulses and oilseeds is emphasized.
Agri-Tech Initiatives
The conference showcased Agri-Tech initiatives for quality agri-inputs and pest management. The NPSS system aids in pest and disease management, while the IPMS addresses pesticide supply issues. The SATHI portal integrates seed production and quality assurance processes.
Representatives from various ministries and organizations participated, fostering dialogue for actionable strategies for the Rabi season.
Doubts Revealed
Union Minister -: A Union Minister is a member of the government in India who is in charge of a specific department or ministry, like agriculture, and helps make important decisions for the country.
Shivraj Singh Chauhan -: Shivraj Singh Chauhan is an Indian politician who is currently serving as the Union Agriculture Minister, responsible for overseeing agricultural policies and programs in India.
National Agriculture Conference -: The National Agriculture Conference is a big meeting where important people discuss plans and ideas to improve farming and agriculture in India.
Kisan Nidhi Yojana -: The Kisan Nidhi Yojana is a government program in India that provides financial support to farmers to help them with their farming needs.
Agri-Tech -: Agri-Tech refers to technology used in agriculture to make farming easier and more efficient, like using machines or computers to help grow crops.
