Jaipur, April 7 (NationPress) Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, announced on Tuesday that the core objectives for Indian agriculture are to boost farmers’ incomes and to secure the nation’s food and nutritional safety.

During his address at the Western Regional Agricultural Conference held in Jaipur, Chouhan remarked that traditional one-day rabi-kharif meetings are being transformed into regional conferences tailored to various agro-climatic zones. He highlighted the importance of this new series of conferences, bringing together agriculture ministers, senior officials, scientists, and forward-thinking farmers from states including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Goa.

Chouhan emphasized that India boasts substantial stocks of wheat and rice, which is leading to storage challenges. However, he pointed out that achieving self-sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds is crucial to ensure that food security relies solely on domestic production, thereby reducing import dependency.

He affirmed that agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy, with farmers being its essence. Thus, the government prioritizes increasing farmers' incomes, enhancing their living standards, and simplifying farming processes, while also focusing on nutrition security as a vital aspect of policy aimed at delivering nutritious food to the populace.

The Union Minister described the Farmer ID initiative as an essential system for future developments, which will facilitate prompt and transparent access to bank loans and government aid through a validated digital profile.

Highlighting global uncertainties, particularly in West Asia, he stated that during crises, a digital and data-driven approach to agricultural governance is essential for safeguarding farmers and the country. Hence, he urged all states to expedite the completion of the Farmer ID initiative in a mission-oriented manner.

Chouhan revealed that the procurement of pulses and oilseeds is being managed by the Agriculture Department through the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA), while the Food Department oversees the procurement of wheat and rice. He emphasized that timely procurement is a state responsibility.

He assured that 100% procurement of pulses like chana, masoor, and tur will be executed. In cases where physical procurement is unfeasible, direct compensation to farmers' accounts for the difference between the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and market price will be established through innovative payment mechanisms, similar to the Madhya Pradesh model for mustard and soybean.

Addressing the issue of declining prices for crops such as potato, onion, and tomato due to external factors, he highlighted the role of the Management Information System (MIS), which allows direct payments to farmers for price discrepancies, with equal sharing of costs between the state and central governments. He also announced a transport subsidy for state agencies that facilitate the movement of farmers’ produce from rural areas to major urban markets.

Chouhan called for a region-specific approach to the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, which will now be tailored to local conditions rather than being implemented uniformly across the nation.

Moreover, he noted that institutional backing will be provided for developing agriculture roadmaps in each state. Rajasthan has already started collaborating with the Centre on its agriculture roadmap, involving a joint effort of ICAR scientists and ministry officials working alongside the state government. Full support will be extended to other states in formulating their agricultural strategies as well.

In light of recent weather disturbances impacting crops, Chouhan stressed the need for accurate loss assessments by states and effective enforcement of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to ensure that affected farmers receive comprehensive benefits. He pledged that the Centre will do everything possible to support farmers.