By edukalive 
The New Year 2025 began with a renewed focus on agriculture and farmer welfare, as Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, held a crucial review meeting on 04-01-2025 with the Agriculture Ministers of States and Union Territories. The virtual gathering highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by farmers and enhancing the overall agricultural ecosystem in India.
I. A New Year, New Resolutions
In his address, Shri Chouhan emphasized the need to approach agricultural development with fresh vigor, stating, “With new resolutions in the new year, we will take forward the work of agricultural development and farmer welfare at a fast pace.” Inspired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s declaration of working with threefold energy in his third term, the Union Minister urged stakeholders to align their efforts toward achieving transformational changes in agriculture.
II. Steady Growth Amidst Challenges
Despite global challenges, India’s agriculture sector has shown resilience. Shri Chouhan revealed that the sector’s growth rate for 2024-25 is projected to be between 3.5% and 4%. This remarkable achievement reflects the dedication of farmers and the collaborative efforts of State Agriculture Departments.
III. Technology for Precision: Crop Loss Assessment
A significant highlight of the meeting was the government’s decision to adopt satellite-based remote sensing technology for accurate crop loss assessment. This transformative step aims to ensure timely and precise compensation for farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). Shri Chouhan added that any delays by insurance companies in disbursing claims would attract a 12% interest penalty, reflecting the government’s commitment to accountability.
IV. Bridging Price Gaps and Reducing Costs
To tackle the price disparity between producing and consuming states, the government has introduced a mechanism to bear the costs of transportation and storage. This measure will particularly benefit crops like tomatoes, onions, and potatoes during peak harvest periods, ensuring fair prices for farmers and affordable rates for consumers.
Further, initiatives like fertilizer subsidies have been prioritized to reduce production costs. For instance, DAP fertilizers will now be available at ₹1,350 per 50 kg bag, a move backed by a budget provision of ₹3,800 crore.
V. Celebrating Milestones
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme continues to be a beacon of support for farmers. Shri Chouhan proudly announced that over ₹3.46 lakh crore has been distributed to 11 crore farmers across 18 installments. The world’s largest crop insurance scheme, PMFBY, has also made a significant impact, benefiting 4 crore farmers and insuring over 602 lakh hectares of farmland.
VI. Strengthening Infrastructure
The government’s focus on agricultural infrastructure has led to remarkable progress under the Agri Infra Fund. Projects worth ₹85,314 crore have been approved, with ₹51,783 crore already disbursed. This investment is expected to modernize storage, processing, and distribution facilities, enabling farmers to achieve higher returns.
VII. Promoting Natural and Sustainable Farming
Acknowledging the environmental toll of chemical fertilizers, Shri Chouhan announced the government’s commitment to promoting natural farming methods. A campaign for sustainable agricultural practices is underway, with a focus on reducing soil degradation and enhancing long-term productivity.
VIII. Tackling Rural Poverty
Another uplifting revelation was the sharp decline in rural poverty rates. As per a recent SBI report, rural poverty has fallen to 4.86% in FY 2024, compared to 7.2% in FY 2023. Shri Chouhan attributed this success to the collective efforts of policymakers, farmers, and agricultural workers.
IX. A Collaborative Approach
The Union Minister underscored the importance of collaboration between the central and state governments. He invited suggestions from state agriculture ministers on the upcoming budget and existing schemes, fostering a shared vision for agricultural growth.
X. Looking Ahead
As Shri Chouhan concluded, he reiterated that agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy and farmers are its soul. By adopting innovative technologies, reducing costs, and fostering collaborative governance, the government is committed to achieving a brighter and more prosperous future for India’s farmers. With these progressive measures, the stage is set for a transformative year in Indian agriculture, promising growth, sustainability, and prosperity for millions of farmers across the nation.
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