New Delhi, Jan 26 (NationPress) Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan engaged with beneficiary farmers during the 77th Republic Day celebrations at Pusa, New Delhi.

He praised the vital role of the farming community in national progress. Among the farmers he interacted with were Tribhuvan Singh, Aniket Chauhan, Bhavlesh Chauhan, Hemraj Chauhan, and Jagdish Sharma, who each shared their success stories as beneficiaries of various government initiatives.

While addressing the audience, Chouhan conveyed his Republic Day greetings and expressed gratitude to the farmers present, along with notable figures such as Ramnath Thakur, Bhagirath Chaudhary, and Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi.

“I wish everyone a happy Republic Day. With a population of approximately 1.4 billion, India stands tall, surpassing the combined populations of the United States and Europe. Years ago, only a handful would gather at Rajpath. Today, Kartavya Path is vibrant with farmers in turbans, filling me with immense pride,” Chouhan remarked.

He referred to farmers as the “soul of the nation,” stating, “In previous administrations, farmers were overlooked. Today, our farmer brethren observed the March Past, and I am filled with pride. India stands firm before the world, engaging eye-to-eye.”

The minister emphasized several governmental initiatives designed to benefit farmers, including the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for pulses like tur, masoor, and urad. He also mentioned the expansion of crop insurance to compensate for losses caused by wildlife, along with a 30% import duty on imported pulses.

Chouhan introduced the establishment of a comprehensive Farmer ID system to consolidate farmer information for streamlined benefits. He also outlined reforms in crop insurance: under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, if payments are delayed by insurance companies beyond 22 days, they will incur a 12% interest penalty. Similarly, state governments will face penalties for delays.

Furthermore, the minister announced, “We will soon propose a law in Parliament targeting counterfeit seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, with penalties reaching Rs 30 lakh. We will also organize workshops for farmers to boost awareness and skills.”

He expressed appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi for acknowledging farmers’ contributions, noting that three farmers recently received Padma Awards for their agricultural achievements.

“My sole passion as Agriculture Minister is to serve farmers. Our initiatives focus on improving their lives, ensuring fair prices for their produce, and safeguarding their livelihoods,” Chouhan stated.

Additionally, Chouhan shared that farmers from all over the country took part in the Republic Day festivities at Kartavya Path, celebrating with vibrant enthusiasm.

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Chouhan highlighted that farmers were specifically invited this year and received various training to enhance their agricultural skills.

“In previous years, farmers were rarely given such invitations; however, we are now prioritizing them. On this remarkable occasion, several farmers were also honored. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the contributions of those in the agriculture sector are finally being recognized,” Shivraj Singh Chouhan added.

After the rendition of Vande Mataram at Kartavya Path, he felt a deep sense of unity, stating, “Despite our diverse languages and attire, we are one nation. This was the spirit of Republic Day, igniting patriotism within all Indians.”

He underscored that farmers were the event's special guests. “Agriculture is the cornerstone of our economy, and farmers embody its essence. They experienced the Republic Day program with great enthusiasm and engaged in various activities,” he remarked.

The minister also noted that four farmers and agricultural scientists were honored with awards.

“We sincerely commend them. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guidance, the nation is progressing swiftly without compromising on developmental initiatives,” concluded the Union Minister.