Tampering with a farmer’s hard work, crops and future will no longer be tolerated under any circumstances. The Central Government has moved decisively towards strict and punitive action against elements causing losses to farmers through fake seeds, spurious fertilizers and counterfeit pesticides. New agricultural laws will soon be introduced in Parliament to provide a strong legal shield for farmers. This clear and firm policy message was delivered by Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan during his one-day visit to Chhattisgarh.

The Union Minister stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the farmer and his holistic development remain the Government of India’s highest priority. In unequivocal terms, he said that certain anti-social elements are destroying farmers’ crops by selling fake agricultural inputs, which is not merely an economic offence but a direct betrayal of farmers’ trust. Such elements will face strict action under the law.

Union Minister Steps onto Field Bunds at the Start of His Visit

At the beginning of his visit, Union Agriculture Minister Shri Chouhan toured Girhola and Khapri villages in Durg district, where he stepped onto the field bunds and interacted directly with farmers. During the visit, he inspected nurseries, fields and agricultural farms, and gathered information on crop cycles, horticulture practices, irrigation systems, seed production and modern agricultural technologies.

Tree Plantation in Girhola; Emphasis on Green and Profitable Farming

In Girhola village, the Union Minister planted a mango sapling, conveying a strong message of environmental conservation and green development. He said that tree plantation is not only a means of protecting the environment but can also become a sustainable source of long-term income for farmers. He urged farmers to adopt horticulture and tree-based farming alongside traditional agriculture.

Farm Inspection and Farmers’ Chaupal in Khapri

Subsequently, the Union Minister visited Anil Agriculture Farm in Khapri village, where he inspected the fields and interacted with farmers. Addressing the farmers’ chaupal, he congratulated progressive farmers and said that farmers of Chhattisgarh are rapidly adopting modern technologies along with traditional farming, setting an inspiring example for the entire country.

Chhattisgarh Moving from Paddy to Horticulture

Interacting with farmers, Shri Chouhan noted that diversification into horticulture, vegetable cultivation and other crops alongside traditional paddy farming is significantly increasing farmers’ incomes. Farmers shared that horticultural crops are yielding higher returns compared to paddy. Emphasising crop diversification as the need of the hour, the Union Minister encouraged other farmers to move in this direction.

Focus on Major Central Government Agricultural Schemes

The Union Minister informed farmers about key central government agricultural schemes, stating that the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme provides direct income support to small and marginal farmers. The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana offers protection against crop losses due to natural calamities. The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana promotes agricultural innovation and productivity growth. Through the Digital Agriculture Mission and drone technology, crop monitoring, pesticide spraying and cost reduction are being ensured.

Natural Farming and Water Conservation Declared the Way Forward

He described natural farming, micro-irrigation and water-conservation-based agriculture as the future of farming and urged farmers to connect with these initiatives in large numbers.
Along with agriculture, the Union Minister laid special emphasis on rural development schemes. He said that through the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and the National Rural Livelihood Mission, village infrastructure, connectivity, employment and self-reliance are being strengthened. Rural development, he said, is not limited to buildings and roads but is intrinsically linked to dignified livelihoods and quality of life.

Resolve to Increase Farmers’ Income and Make Agriculture Profitable

In his address, Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan reiterated the Centre’s resolve to make agriculture profitable and ensure continuous growth in farmers’ income across Chhattisgarh and the country. He expressed confidence that with modern technology, strong policy, effective laws and farmers’ hard work, a new revolution in agriculture will emerge.
The Union Agriculture Minister’s one-day visit is being seen as a significant initiative towards strengthening agricultural infrastructure, creating awareness among farmers and promoting modern farming practices in the state.
On the occasion, Chhattisgarh Home Minister Shri Vijay Sharma; Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Tribal Development Shri Ramvichar Netam; Minister for School Education, Law and Public Works Shri Gajendra Yadav; Ahivara MLA Shri Doman Lal Korsewada; agricultural scientists, senior officials and a large number of farmers were present.
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