Beed, Maharashtra, India – Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed a gathering of nearly 20,000 farmers at the Global Vikas Trust (GVT) Krishikul in Sirsala, Beed district. The conference focused on ensuring financial support for farmers, promoting climate-resilient agriculture, and advancing sustainable farming practices.
Commitment to Farmers’ Welfare and Financial Assistance
Shri Chouhan reaffirmed the Central Government’s dedication to protecting farmers’ interests. He announced that every rupee of crop insurance under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana will reach the farmers without delay. The Union Minister stated that both the Central and State Governments are committed to compensating farmers affected by recent excessive rainfall. “If the State Government requests a special relief package after assessing damages, the Centre will provide full support,” he said.
The Minister further shared that compensation would be provided through the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and that he personally reviewed claim settlements with insurance companies to ensure fairness. “Crop losses will be assessed through Crop Cutting Experiments, and all claims will be settled accurately,” he added.
Focus on Climate-Resilient and Natural Farming
Addressing the impact of changing climate patterns, Shri Chouhan emphasised the importance of developing climate-resilient seed varieties capable of withstanding both drought and excess rainfall. “We must equip our agriculture to withstand unpredictable weather,” he said. He also discussed ongoing reforms to transfer fertiliser subsidies directly to farmers’ bank accounts for better transparency.
Highlighting the value of natural and cow-based farming, Shri Chouhan urged farmers to reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers. “Overuse of chemicals is harming our soil. To secure the future, we must promote organic and natural farming practices,” he stated.
Encouraging Crop Diversification and Agro-Based Enterprises
The Union Agriculture Minister called upon farmers to diversify beyond traditional crops and adopt integrated farming models. “Alongside cereals, farmers should cultivate fruits, flowers, vegetables, and explore agroforestry. Diversification is key to increasing income,” he said.
To enhance market linkages, Shri Chouhan recommended cluster-based farming and local processing units. He mentioned coordination with the Union Food Processing Minister Shri Chirag Paswan to expand village-level processing and value addition, enabling farmers to earn fair prices for their produce.
Water Conservation and Rural Development Initiatives
Discussing drought management, Shri Chouhan informed that 65% of MGNREGA funds in drought-prone areas would be used for water conservation. This, he said, will strengthen irrigation infrastructure and mitigate the effects of water scarcity.
On rural housing, he shared that under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin, Maharashtra has already received 30 lakh sanctioned houses. “After the new survey, all remaining eligible families will receive financial assistance for housing,” he assured.