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Chouhan meets farmers in Telangana
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Wednesday, 11 June, 2025, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, New Delhi
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Under the 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan', Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan interacted with farmers in Telangana.
He first visited Mansonpally village in Telangana’s Ranga Reddy district to interact with farmers, followed by a Kisan Chaupal at Ramachandraguda village. During the interactions, farmers informed the Minister that they are adopting diversification and integrated farming practices, which have helped boost both their production and income. After the Kisan Chaupal, Chouhan addressed the farmers at a programme organised in Mangalpally, Ibrahimpatnam.
Chouhan remarked that agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy, and farmers are its soul. He said, “I am wholeheartedly committed to fulfilling the responsibility entrusted to me by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It marks the completion of the first year of his third term in office, and I extend my warm congratulations and heartfelt wishes to him.”
He further emphasised that the prosperity of farmers is the government’s foremost objective. He accentuated that advanced agriculture and economically empowered farmers are vital for building a developed India. Agriculture continues to be the primary source of livelihood for nearly half of the country’s population and contributes 18% to the national GDP. In the fourth quarter of this year, the sector recorded a growth rate of 5.4%, a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of Indian farmers. “Our farmers have performed exceptionally, but we must continue to strive for even greater achievements,” he stated.
The Minister outlined four key objectives that require focused efforts mainly, ensuring national food security by maintaining sufficient grain reserves; guaranteeing fair prices for farmers’ produce; providing nutritious food to the country’s 1.45 billion population; preserving soil fertility and ensuring sustainable agriculture for future generations.
Chouhan stated that the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan was launched with a spirit of collective participation. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between lab to land, ensuring that scientific research reaches farmers directly. To facilitate this, 2,170 teams comprising 16,000 scientists have been deployed to visit villages and disseminate region-specific agricultural knowledge. Recommendations on best practices and crop varieties are being tailored based on local soil fertility, climatic conditions, and regional requirements.
“The farmer is the true scientist. Accordingly, I have directed agricultural scientists to actively listen to the practical challenges faced by farmers and to align their research efforts to address these real-world issues,” said Chouhan.
He underscored the government’s commitment to establishing millets as a globally recognised grain. “I am confident that the Indian Institute of Millets Research in Telangana will play a pivotal role in leading this global initiative,” he added. He also called for enhanced research to promote palm oil cultivation in Telangana.
Chouhan expressed his appreciation for the innovative farming practices observed in Ranga Reddy district. He highlighted successful initiatives such as intercropping of palm and papaya, cultivation of tomatoes and flowers, and the development of nurseries by local farmers. “One farmer shared that he is earning up to Rs 3 lakh per acre. We are working diligently to remove every obstacle in the path of your prosperity,” he stated.
He further noted that the government is committed to making successful international agricultural research accessible to Indian farmers. He announced the launch of the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), under which the central government will bear the transportation costs for tomato, potato, and onion produce sold across state borders, in addition to providing adequate storage facilities.
Special emphasis is also being placed on enabling small and marginal farmers to derive greater benefits. Integrated farming models are being actively promoted to ensure increased productivity and income.
In his concluding remarks, Chouhan affirmed that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, efforts to transform Indian agriculture are being carried out with unwavering dedication and urgency. “We are formulating policies that will ensure maximum benefit for our farmer brothers and sisters,” he assured.
Bhagirath Choudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare; Tummala Nageswara Rao, Agriculture Minister, Telangana; Konda Vishweshwar Reddy, Member of Parliament; Chamal Kiran Kumar Reddy, Member of Legislative Assembly; Dr M. L. Jat, secretary (DARE) director general (ICAR), scientists, and officials from both the central and State Governments also graced the occasion.
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