Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, today met with Rajasthan Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi. The two leaders held a meaningful discussion on various matters related to the comprehensive development of the rural and agricultural sectors. Union Minister of State for Agriculture Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Agriculture Secretary Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, Rural Development Secretary Shri Shailesh Singh, Director General of ICAR Dr. M.L. Jat, and senior officials from both central ministries and the Rajasthan government were also present.

During the meeting, Union Minister Shri Chouhan stated that the Ministry of Rural Development had recently released ₹4,384 crore to Rajasthan under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) for the current financial year. This includes ₹3,286 crore for wages, ₹944 crore for material components, and ₹154 crore under administrative expenses. In response, Chief Minister Bhajanl Lal Sharma expressed his gratitude to the Union Minister on behalf of the state of Rajasthan.

The progress of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) was also discussed during the meeting, wherein Union Minister Shri Chouhan noted that, under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the implementation of this important scheme has been commendable in Rajasthan, with several large-scale surveys being conducted already. Expressing satisfaction, he assured that the approval for the construction of additional houses will be granted without delay as soon as the verification of the ongoing surveys is completed. A total of 7.46 lakh houses are to be built in Rajasthan, including those under the PM-JANMAN scheme. The meeting also covered discussions on the National Rural Livelihoods Mission.

On agricultural issues, the discussion focused on the implementation progress of schemes such as ‘Per Drop More Crop’ under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), the construction of pond-like tanks to harvest rainwater, and fencing around fields. They also discussed notable agricultural advancements in the Bassi region of Jaipur. Chief Minister Sharma expressed interest in establishing agricultural supervisors at the Gram Panchayat level with the help of the central government.

Other key topics discussed during the meeting included strengthening interstate trade, notifying Rajasthan’s superior peanut varieties, and promoting the state’s popular castor oil. CM Sharma also informed Union Minister Shri Chouhan about the good progress of monsoon in Rajasthan this year, adding that favourable rainfall is expected to yield a significantly better harvest in 2025.

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RC/KSR/AR

(Release ID: 2149508)