Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited Narayangaon in Pune, Maharashtra, today on the sixth day of the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan.’ During his visit, he engaged with local farmers at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), emphasizing the government's commitment to empowering the agricultural community.
Earlier in the day, the Union Minister visited Narayangaon Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) and Tomato Market, local farm fields and a cold storage facility along with agricultural scientists, where he interacted with local farmers growing tomatoes and other farm products.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister highlighted the critical role farmers play in achieving a developed India, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision. He stated that the prosperity of farmers is essential for the nation's progress and reiterated the government's dedication to making agriculture more sustainable and profitable.
Chouhan addressed concerns regarding fake pesticides, assuring farmers that stringent laws would be enacted to prevent the manufacturing and distribution of fake agricultural inputs. He emphasized that those responsible for producing and selling counterfeit products would face strict legal action.
Union Minister noted that there are 16,000 agriculture scientists in the country who are working towards the development of the sector. The scientists cannot just work in laboratories, while farmers toil in the fields. Hence, scientists and farmers have to interact for benefits of the sector, added the Minister.
The Minister also discussed the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), which is designed to ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their produce. Under this scheme, if a farmer chooses to sell their produce in a different location, the central government will cover the transportation costs, thereby reducing financial burdens and encouraging broader market access.
Highlighting the importance of region-specific agricultural research, Chouhan mentioned that scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and KVKs are actively engaging with farmers to develop tailored strategies that consider local climate, soil, and water conditions. This approach aims to enhance crop yields and promote sustainable farming practices.
Chouhan praised the success stories emerging from Narayangaon, where farmers are achieving significant profits through banana exports and innovative peanut cultivation techniques. These examples serve as inspiration for farmers across the country to adopt modern agricultural methods and diversify their crops.
The event was attended by Maharashtra's Agriculture Minister, Manikrao Shivajirao Kokate, along with other public representatives and agricultural scientists. Chouhan concluded by encouraging farmers to embrace modern farming techniques and assured them of the government's unwavering support in their journey toward self-reliance and prosperity.
