Union Agriculture Minister Lauds Farmers' Role in Independence Day Celebrations; Launches National Pest Surveillance System

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, emphasized the importance of farmers in India’s progress on Independence Day celebrations. He expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inviting farmers to be a part of this year's celebrations, a first in the history of independent India. Chouhan made these remarks during a program that included a dialogue with farmers and the launch of the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS). The event was also attended by Ministers of State for Agriculture, Ram Nath Thakur and Bhagirath Choudhary, along with Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary of DARE and DG of ICAR.

In his address, Chouhan paid tribute to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the country, noting that while the struggle for freedom required immense sacrifice, today's citizens, especially farmers, are expected to live and contribute positively to the nation's development. He referred to farmers as the 'heartbeat' of the nation, emphasizing their crucial role in ensuring the well-being of the country’s population.

Chouhan outlined six key objectives under Prime Minister Modi's leadership to boost agricultural productivity. These include increasing production through the use of high-yielding seeds, improving communication between farmers and scientists, and ensuring farmers receive timely information about scientific advancements and proper pesticide usage. He announced the launch of a monthly radio program, 'Kisano Ki Baat,' where scientists and agriculture officials will share essential information with farmers. Additionally, Chouhan stressed the importance of connecting Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) more closely with farmers to deliver immediate scientific benefits.

Highlighting the government's commitment to farmers, Chouhan mentioned that the agricultural budget has been significantly increased from Rs. 27,000 crores to Rs. 1.52 lakh crores under Prime Minister Modi's administration. He criticized those who speak about farmers without having any real connection to agriculture, emphasizing that the government has made substantial purchases of pulses and has provided substantial financial support to farmers through the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.

Chouhan also urged farmers to consider natural farming methods to enhance soil health and announced that a mission to promote this practice would be launched soon. He encouraged the formation of more Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to diversify agriculture and increase farmers' income.

Concluding his speech, Chouhan called on farmers to embark on a new era of agricultural development under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

आज नई दिल्ली स्थित पूसा परिसर में राष्ट्रीय नाशीजीवी (कीट) निगरानी प्रणाली (NPSS) का शुभारंभ किया।

इस प्रणाली के माध्यम से किसानों के लिए कीट की सटीक पहचान सुलभ होगी तथा प्रबंधन में भी सहयोग मिलेगा।

भारत में कृषि को आधुनिक बनाने, खाद्य सुरक्षा बढ़ाने तथा तकनीक का लाभ उठाने के… pic.twitter.com/SEiRVFnO8m
— Shivraj Singh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) August 15, 2024