India’s agriculture sector contributes 18% to the country’s GDP, with its resilience, particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, where it was recognised as stronger than in many other nations. Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening this sector. At the Platinum Jubilee Conference of Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (AERC) in Pune, he emphasised that research should extend beyond laboratories and benefit farmers directly. He highlighted that India’s agricultural roots are deeply embedded in its culture. Since World War II, India has championed the vision of global unity. He also underscored the importance of sustainable farming practices, advocating for natural farming and reduced pesticide use to enhance production quality.
The government is focused on increasing storage capacity for farmers. It is developing a new scheme to facilitate the transportation of agricultural products across states. In his address, he also spoke about the launch of a special river-linking project by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi on December 25, 2024, to address regional disparities caused by floods and droughts. Additionally, the government has introduced initiatives like the Modern Krishi Choupal on the DD Kisan Channel to facilitate communication between farmers, researchers, and scientists. To further support farmers, the government has provided subsidies and introduced the Kisan Credit Card for immediate financial relief. Between 2014 and 2024, the government has doubled the minimum support price on several products, offering significant relief to farmers. He emphasised the need to reduce production costs and implement policies that enhance local agricultural benefits, reducing reliance on imports.
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