The Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Government of India, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, emphasized the importance of ensuring timely availability of fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides for the upcoming Kharif season. During a review meeting at Krishi Bhawan with officials from various departments, Chouhan instructed them to guarantee the prompt distribution and quality supply of these input materials to avoid any delays in sowing, which could negatively impact production.
The agriculture minister stressed the need for constant monitoring and review by the concerned departments to prevent any difficulties for farmers. He expressed satisfaction with the prediction of an above-normal Southwest monsoon this year. Presentations were made by officials from the Department of Fertilizers, the Central Water Commission, and the Indian Meteorological Department. Secretary of the Department for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Manoj Ahuja, along with senior ministry officials, briefed the minister on the Kharif season preparedness.
Earlier reviewing the functioning of Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), the minister called for increased mechanisation of farms to improve agricultural productivity. He also called for the need to link agricultural education with profession so that those attaining higher education in agriculture sciences are linked to farming practises. Chouhan stressed for intensive discussions for improving utility of Kisan Vikas Kendras (KVKs) to make them reach the last farmer in the country. He said effective use of technological practises can bring revolution to the agriculture sector and called upon scientists to constantly work on improving productivity and developing new breeds. He also mentioned that natural farming practices need to be simplified so that more and more farmers adopt it for their farming.
Secretary, DARE and Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Himanshu Pathak briefed the minister on the activities and 100 days plan of ICAR. He informed that developing one hundred crop varieties and one hundred certifications of new technologies are part of 100-day plan for ICAR.
Ministers of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Ramnath Thakur and Bhagirath Choudhary were also present during the meetings.