Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday interacted with farmers invited as special guests for the Independence Day celebrations at Pusa Campus in New Delhi. He assured them that no agreement would ever be signed that harms the interests of Indian farmers.
Chouhan announced that agricultural scientists will once again visit villages from October 3 to 18 to guide farmers for a better Rabi crop, continuing the government’s efforts to take “lab to land.”
Minister also administered a pledge to farmers to adopt the Swadeshi movement, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to support local products. He said that buying indigenous goods would not only strengthen the economy but also generate large-scale employment. Using examples such as purchasing earthen lamps from potters for Diwali, he stressed how supporting local producers can empower rural communities.
Paying tribute to freedom fighters, Chouhan said independence was won through immense sacrifice, not simply handed over by the British. He also referred to “Operation Sindoor” to underline India’s strength, saying the country does not provoke but will never spare those who challenge it. He reminded that the peace enjoyed today is due to the courage of soldiers guarding the nation’s borders.
On trade, Union Minister cited India’s agreement with UK that allows duty-free exports of Indian farm products. But he cautioned against any deal that could allow a flood of cheap imports like maize or wheat, warning that such a move would devastate small Indian farmers. He praised Prime Minister Modi for ensuring that no policy undermines the livelihoods of farmers, livestock rearers, or fishers.
Chouhan also stressed the government’s commitment to accountability, pointing to action taken against companies whose herbicides damaged crops. FIRs were registered, and he called for tighter regulation to ensure schemes reach farmers effectively. “Farmers are the soul of India’s economy, and serving them is like worshipping God,” he said.
The event was attended by Ministers of State Ramnath Thakur and Bhagirath Choudhary, Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi, ICAR DG Dr. M.L. Jat, and other senior officials. A vote of thanks was delivered by Joint Secretary Perin Devi.
