Jaipur, April 7 (NationPress) The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, highlighted that agriculture serves as the foundation of India's economy, with farmers embodying the essence of the nation.

He remarked that the Central Government is swiftly advancing efforts to make the agricultural sector self-sufficient, while also focusing on enhancing farmers' earnings and improving their living standards.

Commending Rajasthan's agricultural advancements, he noted that a detailed roadmap for the sector has been created under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma.

He urged other states to implement comparable innovative strategies.

Chouhan spoke during the opening session of the Western Regional Conference in Jaipur on Tuesday.

He pointed out that, given India's diverse geography, a series of regional agricultural conferences have been organized under the guidance of PM Modi, with Rajasthan hosting the inaugural event.

This conference unites delegates from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, and Rajasthan, creating a forum to address regional challenges, opportunities, and agricultural strategies.

The objective of the conference is to enhance inter-state coordination and facilitate the sharing of innovations, ultimately steering the sector towards sustainable development.

The Union Minister outlined three main goals for the agricultural sector: ensuring national food security to support the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, increasing farmers' income, and bolstering nutritional security alongside food security.

He stressed the necessity for agricultural diversification, improved production, and the integration of farming systems to meet these objectives.

Chouhan called on all states to guarantee 100% registration of farmers under the Farmer ID scheme to ensure timely access to governmental assistance.

He also underscored the importance of prompt crop damage assessments under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, ensuring farmers receive their insurance benefits without delay.

The Minister announced that the Central Government will introduce flexibility in funding allocations for national agricultural schemes, considering the unique geographical conditions of each state.

He also called for the efficient use of agricultural budgets, timely procurement of crops at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), and the organization of a ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ across states. He assured complete support from the Central Government for these initiatives.

Recognizing Rajasthan's agricultural potential, Chouhan praised the state's initiative to create a structured agricultural roadmap. He announced that the Central Government will dispatch a team of agricultural scientists and experts to further fortify this endeavor.

He also lauded the forthcoming Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet (GRAM), stating that a central team of experts and officials will participate to support the initiative.

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma stated that PM Modi considers farmers as the bedrock of the nation, emphasizing that development begins in villages and agricultural fields.

He highlighted enhancements to the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, noting that the state government has added Rs 3,000 to the central assistance, raising the total benefit for farmers in Rajasthan to Rs 9,000.

Announcing the Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet–2026, set for May, he expressed that the event will aim to establish Rajasthan as a leader in agricultural exports.

Experts, scientists, and specialists from both India and abroad will participate. He invited the Union Agriculture Minister and other stakeholders to attend, expressing confidence that the discussions will shape the future of agriculture.

The Chief Minister concluded by stating that the conference discussions will encompass crucial areas such as agricultural production, water management, and crop protection, paving the way for sustainable agricultural development.