What Did Union Agriculture Minister Warn About Black Marketing at the Farmers' Meet in Patna?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Engagement: Direct interaction between the minister and farmers.
- Black Marketing: Commitment to combat black marketing of fertilizers.
- Financial Aid: Rs 2,000 transfer to farmers under the PM Kisan scheme.
- Local Production: Emphasis on using locally made products.
- Support Initiatives: Launch of new schemes to empower farmers.
Patna, Aug 2 (NationPress) Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan attended the Kisan Utsav Diwas at Bapu Auditorium in Patna, engaging with farmers to hear their concerns.
Chouhan interacted directly with the crowd, asking farmers about their challenges. Many raised issues, notably complaints about being compelled to purchase nano urea bottles alongside fertilizers.
The minister cautioned officials, stating, “No one can force farmers. Strict actions will follow against those substituting fertilizers with other products,” emphasizing the need for a crackdown on black marketing of fertilizers.
This event celebrated the release of the 20th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana.
From Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi transferred Rs 2,000 each to 9.7 crore farmers, including 74 lakh farmers in Bihar.
Chouhan extolled the direct benefit transfer model, stating, “We have allocated over Rs 3 lakh crore to farmers. Under PM Fasal Bima Yojana, Rs 1.83 lakh crore has been deposited into farmers' accounts.”
He announced that the Central government will procure pulses from Bihar farmers at MSP and provide transportation for vegetables to Delhi, covering freight costs.
Chouhan outlined several ongoing and upcoming initiatives, including the soon-to-launch Dhan Dhanya Yojana, an annual Rs 2 lakh crore fertilizer subsidy, and plans to connect modern research with farming.
He mentioned, “Fifty-five crore bank accounts have been opened nationwide under PM Modi’s vision of financial inclusion.”
Chouhan encouraged farmers and women present to commit to using Indian-made products.
Emotionally appealing, he said, “With Raksha Bandhan approaching, sisters should tie rakhis made in their own village and country. Support products from your locality – avoid foreign goods.”
He stressed that India’s economic strength is intertwined with empowered farmers and domestic production, asserting, “We will not yield to foreign influences.”
Shivraj Singh Chouhan subtly criticized the Congress and RJD governments, claiming that “nothing was accomplished for farmers during their tenure.”
In contrast, he portrayed the Modi-led administration as consistently supportive of farmers and reformative.