Jaipur, Dec 23 (NationPress) In a significant address at a farmers’ conference in Merta, Nagaur, Rajasthan, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan expressed the government's firm intention to safeguard the dignity and interests of farmers.

“I will ensure that the honor, self-respect, and pride of farmers are upheld,” Chouhan stated, announcing that the Central government is set to introduce a new Seed Law and Pesticide Act aimed at combating the proliferation of fake seeds and fraudulent agricultural supplies.

With a touch of humor, Chouhan referred to Rajasthan Agriculture Minister Kirodi Lal Meena, saying, “We are Mama (uncle), and he is Baba (elder). He mentioned we should leave soon, but once we arrive, we tend to stay forever.”

Minister Meena shared that the esteemed leader Nathuram Mirdha was affectionately known as “Baba,” and now many refer to him in the same way. “Today, Mama has also joined us. It’s my duty to accomplish tasks with Mama’s assistance,” he quipped, earning cheers from the audience.

During the event, development initiatives valued at over Rs 3,200 crore were unveiled for farmers. Officials noted that more than Rs 2,000 crore has been allocated under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, while Rs 1,200 crore will be directly deposited into farmers’ accounts via state schemes, and 31,600 farmers will be granted Rs 200 crore through agriculture and horticulture programs.

Approximately five lakh farmers will receive Rs 700 crore in agricultural input subsidies, 18,500 beneficiaries will obtain Rs 100 crore under the PM Awas Yojana (Rural), and 4.5 lakh livestock farmers will benefit from Rs 200 crore under the Chief Minister Milk Production Support Scheme.

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma presented a plough to Shivraj Singh Chauhan, who lifted it in a gesture of respect towards the agricultural community.

Notably, Khinvsar MLA Revantram Danga did not appear on stage. He was recently involved in a sting operation, accused of soliciting a 40 percent commission for a project. Following this revelation on December 14, the BJP issued him a notice for clarification, and the case has been forwarded to the party’s ethics committee, with a decision pending.

CM Sharma also criticized the Congress, stating, “Congress claims to protest against vote theft, yet it is their actions that resemble vote theft. They have deceived the public. Even in alliances, they struggle to maintain legitimacy—do we also steal votes in those instances?”

The farmers’ conference saw a massive turnout, particularly among women, as leaders from both the Centre and the state underscored welfare schemes and governance reforms, outlining their vision for enhancing Rajasthan’s agricultural sector.