Union Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, met with farmers on the occasion of the 76th Republic Day at the Pusa Campus in New Delhi. He emphasized the pivotal role of farmers in the nation’s progress, stating, “Farmers are our gods, and serving them is akin to serving God.” Minister underlined government’s commitment to empowering farmers through initiatives like the Minimum Support Price (MSP) to ensure fair compensation for their produce.
Chouhan stressed the importance of adopting modern agricultural techniques and leveraging technology to address the challenges faced by farmers. He highlighted government's efforts to enhance the benefits of agriculture-related programs and discussed the importance of natural farming and crop diversification.
Additionally, he mentioned current initiatives aimed at raising awareness about sustainable farming practices, which seek to improve both productivity and profitability.
Highlighting the "Farm to Consumer" model, Chouhan explained that this initiative enables farmers to sell their produce directly to consumers, bypassing intermediaries and ensuring higher profits.
Reflecting on the essence of Republic Day, Chouhan remarked that its true spirit lies in the active participation of the people, especially farmers, who form the backbone of the Indian economy. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for recognizing farmers’ contributions by including them in the Republic Day celebrations, emphasizing their critical role in sustaining both the nation and the world.
"Farming is the soul of India. While factories can produce goods, only farmers can grow fruits, vegetables, and grains," Chouhan stated.
In conclusion, Chouhan reiterated the government’s unwavering focus on farmer welfare, declaring that prosperous farmers are essential for a prosperous India. He confirmed that the Ministry is actively working to achieve this vision.