Interacting with the media, Shri Chouhan said that India is a vast country with diverse agro-climatic conditions, varying soil characteristics and different agricultural challenges across states. Therefore, instead of holding only one national conference, the system of zonal conferences is proving to be more effective. He informed that this was the third zonal conference, aimed at enabling detailed discussions and concrete decisions tailored to the specific needs of Eastern India.

The Union Minister Shri Chouhan said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government of India has three clear objectives in the agriculture sector — ensuring the country’s food security, improving nutritional availability in addition to grain production, and strengthening farmers’ income and livelihoods. Keeping these goals in view, the Government has adopted a six-point strategy focused on increasing production and productivity, reducing input costs, ensuring remunerative prices for farmers, providing compensation in case of losses, and accelerating diversification in agriculture.

Shri Chouhan said that India today is in a strong position in the production of paddy and wheat, but self-reliance in pulses and oilseeds is still to be achieved. He clarified that diversification is not merely about expanding other crops, but also about protecting soil health. Repeated cultivation of the same crop adversely impacts soil fertility, whereas pulses improve soil quality through nitrogen fixation. The Union Minister emphasized that integrated farming has been accorded special importance keeping in mind the needs of small and marginal farmers. He said models have been developed in which grains are combined with horticulture, vegetables, animal husbandry, fisheries, beekeeping and agro-forestry to create multiple sources of income for farmers. He added that integrated farming has immense potential to substantially increase farmers’ income in Eastern India.

During the press conference, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan also highlighted the issue of agricultural credit and farmer financing. He said the flow of agricultural loans remains inadequate in several states and districts, despite the growing need for capital to expand modern farming practices, horticulture and integrated farming. He said state-specific models would be developed to ensure more effective credit delivery to farmers. The Union Minister announced that a nationwide 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' would be launched from June 1 to June 15, focusing on balanced fertilizer use, soil health awareness and farmer education. He said excessive use of fertilizers without understanding soil conditions increases costs and adversely affects soil, crop and human health, making balanced application essential.

Describing Farmer ID as a transformative initiative, Shri Chouhan said it would integrate all details related to a farmer’s landholding, crops and family in a single digital identity. He said Farmer ID would help make agricultural credit, DBT transfers, scheme benefits and fertilizer distribution more transparent, targeted and efficient, while also preventing diversion of subsidized fertilizers. He noted that the initiative is progressing rapidly in several states and efforts are being intensified in states where implementation has not yet begun. Shri Chouhan further stated that the large tracts of rice fallow land remaining unused after paddy harvest in Eastern India present a major opportunity for pulses and oilseeds missions. He said these areas would be identified and supported with quality seeds, demonstrations, farmer incentives and procurement support under the PM-AASHA scheme to boost production of urad, masoor and tur crops.

He also announced that subsidies would be provided to promote the establishment of dal mills and oil mills, enabling local-level processing and value addition alongside increased production. The Union Minister stressed the need to promote natural farming and launch a nationwide campaign against fake pesticides and substandard fertilizers. He said the existing punitive provisions are inadequate and that the Government is preparing to introduce a new Pesticide Act and a new Seed Act to ensure stricter punishment against offenders and guarantee quality agricultural inputs to farmers.

Highlighting the immense horticulture potential in Eastern India, Shri Chouhan said crops such as mango and other horticultural produce offer significant opportunities to enhance farmers’ income. He informed that crop-wise and state-wise agricultural roadmaps would be prepared based on soil type, climatic conditions, available resources and local suitability to maximize productivity and improve farm management practices. The Union Minister also acknowledged the urgent need to strengthen cold storage and cold chain infrastructure. He said efforts are underway through schemes such as MIDH, the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund and PM Kisan Sampada Yojana to expand cold storage facilities and strengthen agricultural infrastructure, particularly in Eastern India.

Shri Chouhan further said that India has a large pool of agricultural scientists and that the Government will continue working in coordination with states, agricultural universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to ensure that new technologies, research findings, best practices and useful scientific information reach farmers effectively. He said agriculture remains the backbone of the Indian economy and improving farmers’ livelihoods, income and productivity continues to be the Government’s core priority. Shri Chouhan stated that the Government is committed to addressing every challenge faced by farmers, increasing production, reducing costs, protecting soil health, promoting diversification and ensuring a more prosperous, secure and dignified life for the farming community.