Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan held a virtual meeting on January 4, 2025, with state ministers to assess the progress and future trajectory of key agricultural initiatives. He noted that the agriculture and allied sectors are likely to achieve a growth rate of 3.5% to 4% this year, crediting farmers and officials, and outlined a six-point strategy emphasizing production growth, cost reduction, technology use, and innovative practices.
Minister Chouhan highlighted the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, which has disbursed Rs 3.46 lakh crore to 11 crore farmers in 18 instalments, with 25 lakh new beneficiaries added in the first 100 days of Modi’s third term. Similarly, PM Crop Insurance Scheme has achieved global recognition, insuring 602 lakh hectares and providing claims worth Rs 17,000 crore to four crore farmers. Fertilizer subsidies have been fortified, with Rs 1.95 lakh crore spent last year, and DAP fertilizer now priced at Rs 1,350 per 50 kg bag under a Rs 3,800 crore provision.
On the procurement front, Chouhan outlined substantial achievements under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) framework. Over the past decade, Rs 6.04 lakh crore has been disbursed to farmers for wheat alone, with significant procurements of rice, maize, oilseeds, and pulses also recorded. Meanwhile, Rs 51,783 crore in loans have been sanctioned under the Agri Infra Fund, driving investments in agriculture worth Rs 85,208 crore.
Chouhan lauded continuous improvements in grain and horticulture production, with food grain output surging from 265.05 million tonnes in 2013-14 to 328.85 million tonnes in 2023-24. Horticulture production reached an impressive 352.23 million tonnes. Additionally, Rs 993 crore has been allocated to promote oil palm cultivation on 1.38 lakh hectares under the National Edible Oil Mission.
Addressing modern challenges, Chouhan highlighted efforts to curb soil degradation through the Natural Farming Mission, approved recently by the Cabinet. He also announced a shift towards satellite-based crop loss assessment under the Crop Insurance Scheme, ensuring accurate evaluations and timely disbursal of claims via Direct Benefit Transfer.
The Minister emphasized the importance of aligning state efforts with national objectives, urging agriculture ministers to contribute ideas for the upcoming budget to address farmers’ concerns comprehensively. He welcomed discussions on innovative measures, including weather-based crop strategies, improved price deficit payment schemes, and expanded soybean procurement.
Chouhan celebrated the significant decline in rural and urban poverty, referencing an SBI report showing rural poverty at a historic low of 4.86% in FY 2024, down from 7.2% in FY 2023. This, he said, reflects the collective impact of government initiatives on India’s rural economy.
Reiterating agriculture’s central role in India’s economy, Chouhan concluded by likening the service of farmers to worship, calling for unified efforts to achieve shared goals. “Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and farmers are its soul,” he said, reinforcing his vision for collaborative progress in the sector.
Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi and other senior officials of the Ministry were present in the meeting
