Regular Update
New Delhi: Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, informed the Rajya Sabha that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government is working for the overall development of farmers, villages, and the poor. He said, “A farmer is not just a food provider but a life provider.”
Rs.1 Lakh Crore Infrastructure Under AIF
Under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), infrastructure such as cold storages, warehouses, processing units, and custom hiring centers has been developed across the country. Due to these facilities, post-harvest losses of fruits, vegetables, and food grains have reduced by 5 to 15 percent, helping farmers get better market prices.
MSP and 100% Procurement of Pulses
Chouhan stated that the government is implementing its decision to provide Minimum Support Price (MSP) at 50% profit over the cost of production. The government has guaranteed 100% procurement of tur (pigeon pea), masoor (lentil), and urad (black gram). Procurement will be carried out through NAFED and NCCF. Other pulses will be procured under the PM-AASHA scheme, and payments will be transferred directly to farmers’ bank accounts through DBT.
Towards Self-Reliance in Pulses
With improved seeds, cluster-based farming, training programs, and subsidies of up to Rs.10,000 per hectare, pulse production has increased. He expressed confidence that India will become fully self-reliant in pulses by 2030–31.
Crop Residue Management
Under the Crop Residue Management (CRM) scheme, farmers are being given 50% subsidy and institutions 80% subsidy to purchase machinery for managing crop residue. The government is also promoting the use of crop residue for bio-CNG and biomass industries.
Focus on Crop Diversification
After achieving self-sufficiency in wheat and rice, the government is now promoting less water-intensive crops, pulses, oilseeds, and nutri-cereals. Chouhan emphasized that the government’s vision is to transform farmers from “food providers to energy providers,” making them a key pillar of a self-reliant India.
