Will the Centre's Nationwide Initiative for Rabi Crop Begin on October 3?
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Synopsis
The Centre's new initiative promises to transform the agricultural landscape for Rabi crops, beginning October 3. With technology and grassroots engagement at its core, this campaign aims to address pressing agricultural challenges, ensuring farmers are well-equipped for a successful season ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Nationwide outreach for Rabi crop begins October 3.
- Focus on technology and grassroots engagement.
- Addressing fertilizer shortages is a priority.
- Transparent digital payments for crop insurance claims.
- Strict actions against fake fertilizers will be enforced.
New Delhi, Aug 14 (NationPress) The Union Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan revealed on Thursday that the nationwide outreach to farmers under the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan for this year's Rabi crop is set to commence from October 3 and will run until Dhanteras on October 18.
During a conference with state Agriculture Ministers, the minister announced that a preparatory meeting will be conducted in the national capital on September 15–16. He emphasized the importance of this initiative, which aims to leverage technology, enhance capacities, and promote grassroots engagement to boost agricultural output across the nation.
The discussions encompassed various critical issues such as the scarcity of fertilizers and urea, the certification of bio-stimulants, the National Mission on Natural Farming, strategies to boost pulses and oilseeds production, a comprehensive 5-year agricultural action plan, handling crop insurance claims in areas affected by floods and disasters, and promoting the toll-free number for farmers’ grievances.
Chouhan requested the ministers to compile data regarding fertilizer needs for the Rabi season and come equipped for thorough discussions during the conference.
The meeting also assessed preparations for the National Mission on Natural Farming, with plans for a formal launch by the Prime Minister on August 23. Chouhan instructed officials to ensure readiness to meet the mission's objectives and reviewed the progress of the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana across 100 districts.
Emphasizing the necessity of increasing pulses and oilseeds production, the minister urged State Agriculture Ministers to actively promote these essential missions and schemes within their respective states. He asserted the need for the nation to enhance its production capacity of pulses and oilseeds to satisfy domestic demands.
Addressing the issue of counterfeit fertilizers and urea, Chouhan urged state governments to take decisive action against such practices. He pointed out that approximately 30,000 bio-stimulant products were previously marketed, with many lacking adequate certification; currently, only 600 have been validated. He instructed officials to ensure that only certified products are available to farmers and condemned the practice of coercing farmers into purchasing unverified products alongside fertilizers.
The Agriculture Ministers from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, and representatives from Gujarat and Punjab were present at the meeting.
Chouhan reassured that if the demand for urea is genuine for agricultural purposes, it will be supplied promptly; however, any misuse will be met with strict scrutiny. He called on all state Agriculture Ministers to monitor the proper usage of urea by establishing oversight committees.
The minister also directed officials to draft a 5-year agricultural action plan that incorporates feedback from progressive farmers and experts, and stressed the importance of widely publicizing the ministry’s toll-free number for addressing public welfare issues.
On the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Chouhan reiterated the government's commitment to complete transparency in its execution. Compensation payments will be made directly to farmers’ accounts through digital transactions, and any delays in insurance claims by companies or state governments will incur an additional 12 percent interest payable directly to farmers.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the government's proactive steps in addressing agricultural challenges. The initiative to boost Rabi crop production through technology and grassroots engagement reflects a commitment to empowering farmers and enhancing food security in the nation.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan?
The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan is a nationwide initiative aimed at supporting farmers in enhancing agricultural productivity, particularly for the upcoming Rabi crop season.
When does the initiative launch?
The initiative will be launched on October 3 and will continue until Dhanteras on October 18.
What are the key focus areas of this initiative?
Key focus areas include technology dissemination, capacity building, addressing fertilizer shortages, and increasing pulses and oilseeds production.
How will the government ensure transparency in the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana?
The government is committed to transparency by directly transferring compensation payments to farmers’ accounts through digital means.
What actions are being taken against fake fertilizers?
The minister has urged state governments to take strict action against counterfeit fertilizers and ensure that only certified products reach farmers.
