Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on a recent visit to Punjab under the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’, said that government subsidies should go only to those who genuinely deserve them. The minister met with farmers, inspected standing crops, and visited an agricultural machinery factory in Amargarh, Patiala, where he reviewed various modern tools and equipment.
Speaking to the farmers, Chouhan highlighted the Modi government’s goal of building a developed India with agriculture at its core. He said the sector remains the backbone of the economy, contributing 5.4% to India’s 7.5% growth in the last financial quarter, and supporting nearly half of the country’s population.
“India’s food security, nutrition, and prosperity depend on agriculture. Our farmers must earn more, and India should become a global food basket,” he said.
He praised Punjab's farmers for their historical role in ensuring food self-sufficiency, recalling the days when India had to import wheat from the U.S. “Today, we produce and export high-quality wheat and rice, especially basmati, which is in great demand abroad,” Chouhan added.
The minister stressed the importance of cutting production costs and improving yields through quality seeds and advanced machinery. He directed ICAR scientists to focus on developing climate-resilient, heat-tolerant seeds and encouraged the use of research-driven, climate-adaptive farming techniques.
“Machines are now available for every stage of farming, including sowing and harvesting. Multipurpose harvesters are reducing costs and saving labour,” he said, adding that India must not just use machines but also become a leading exporter of agricultural equipment.
Sharing his experience from a recent visit to Brazil, Chouhan pointed out that while their farming is highly mechanized, India’s small landholdings require different solutions. He called for affordable machinery specifically designed for small and marginal farmers. On the issue of subsidies, he said they must reach only the eligible.
Chouhan concluded by saying that discussions with stakeholders will continue to expand mechanization and address farmer concerns, ensuring India takes the lead in global agriculture.
Chouhan’s visit was attended by key stakeholders including Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, ICAR Director General Dr. M.L. Jat, Punjab Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal and other senior officials and agricultural scientists.
