New Delhi: Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, held an important discussion today with representatives of farmers’ organizations, including the head of the Kisan Mahapanchayat, Rampal Singh, in New Delhi. The meeting was part of an ongoing dialogue between the government and farmers aimed at addressing key concerns in the agricultural sector.
The discussion saw participation from farmer representatives across different states, and a wide range of issues were raised. Shri Chouhan welcomed the input and suggestions from the farmers, emphasizing the government’s commitment to addressing their concerns both at the state and central levels.
“I am fortunate to have had a meaningful discussion with the head of Kisan Mahapanchayat and other farmer representatives from various states. We talked about several issues that impact farmers, and I assure them that as Agriculture Minister, I will work tirelessly to improve the condition of the agriculture sector and ensure that our farmers continue to progress,” said Chouhan.
Shri Chouhan reiterated the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of farmers, citing the farmer-friendly policies implemented under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that the government has taken continuous decisions in recent years to support the agricultural community.
“The Prime Minister is committed to the welfare of farmers, and these discussions help us better understand their problems. Recent reforms, such as providing flexibility in the Krishi Vikas Yojana to suit the specific needs of each state, demonstrate our commitment. However, there are still many issues to address, such as concerns related to the crop insurance scheme, and we will work to resolve them with full sincerity,” Chouhan stated.
One of the key topics raised by the farmers during the discussion was the need for improvements in the crop insurance scheme. The Union Minister acknowledged the concerns and stressed the importance of making crop insurance voluntary for both loanee and non-loanee farmers, ensuring that it remains an option rather than an obligation.
“There should be no compulsion in taking crop insurance claims; it must be voluntary. Many times, if it’s not, farmers may feel pressured to opt into the scheme. We are listening to these concerns and will work towards finding solutions,” Chouhan assured.
Chouhan expressed his deep satisfaction with the dialogue, emphasizing that serving the farming community is akin to a form of worship. He reassured the farmers that the government remains committed to working alongside them to solve their problems and to advance the agricultural sector.
“Meeting with farmers is always a pleasure, and serving them feels like worshipping God. We are committed to ensuring that every policy we implement is farmer-focused, and we will continue working to make agriculture more prosperous for the backbone of our nation,” he concluded.