- Shivraj Singh Chouhan assures full crop insurance payouts under PM Modi’s leadership.
- Promises special relief package for Maharashtra farmers affected by erratic weather.
- Advocates climate-resilient seeds, natural farming, and diversified cropping.
- Announces Bill against fake fertilisers, seeds, and pesticides; highlights Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana progress.
GG News Bureau
Beed, Maharashtra, 7th Nov: Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, addressed a gathering of 20,000 farmers today at the Global Vikas Trust (GVT) Krishikul, Sirsala in Beed district, Maharashtra.
Chouhan held a detailed interaction with farmers, discussing their experiences with silk farming, natural farming, and water conservation initiatives, and lauded the GVT team for pioneering models that improved farmers’ incomes.
Addressing the main conference, he said, “A farmer is not merely a cultivator but a provider of life — the ‘Annadaata’ of the nation.” He emphasized that under the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, scientists are now directly engaging with farmers to ensure agricultural innovations reach the grassroots.
Chouhan assured farmers that under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, every rupee of compensation due under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana will be paid. He added, “If required, a special relief package will be provided for farmers of Maharashtra.”
Highlighting the impact of erratic rainfall and crop damage, he noted that compensation will be provided through state assessments and the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). He also promoted climate-resilient seeds and organic, natural farming to mitigate future weather-related risks.
The Minister announced plans to improve fertiliser subsidy transparency, support cluster-based farming, and establish village-level processing units to ensure fair prices and better market access for farmers. He also urged diversification into fruits, vegetables, flowers, agroforestry, and allied activities like fisheries and beekeeping.
On housing, Chouhan said Maharashtra has already received 30 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin, with more eligible families to be assisted after the new survey.
Addressing regulatory concerns, he announced a new Bill in the upcoming Budget Session to curb the manufacture and sale of fake fertilisers, seeds, and pesticides.
Concluding his address, Shivraj Singh Chouhan extended greetings to farmers and citizens on the 150th anniversary of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the welfare, dignity, and prosperity of Indian farmers.
