Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan outreach program for farmers across India will kick off from October 3 and run until Dhanteras on October 18. This initiative focuses on assisting farmers ahead of the Rabi crop season. Chouhan made this announcement during a meeting with state Agriculture Ministers, emphasizing the need for thorough preparation.
To facilitate the outreach, a pre-campaign meeting is scheduled for September 15-16 in New Delhi. Chouhan urged his counterparts from various states to take this initiative seriously, aiming to enhance farm production through technology, skill development, and grassroots engagement.
The discussions at the ministerial meeting encompassed several crucial topics, including fertilizer shortages, certification of bio-stimulants, the National Mission on Natural Farming, and strategies for increasing the production of pulses and oilseeds. Additionally, the meeting delved into a five-year agricultural action plan, the settlement of crop insurance claims in areas affected by floods and disasters, and the promotion of a toll-free number to address farmers’ grievances.
Chouhan called for ministers to gather data on fertilizer requirements for the upcoming Rabi season to ensure comprehensive discussions at the conference. The meeting also reviewed the preparations for the National Mission on Natural Farming, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch on August 23.
In another notable point, Chouhan stressed the importance of ensuring that only certified bio-stimulant products reach farmers, highlighting the concerning issue of fake fertilizers. He pointed out that previously around 30,000 bio-stimulant products were sold, with many lacking proper certification; only about 600 have received the necessary approval so far. He called on state governments to take stringent action against the sale of unapproved products.
Chouhan assured that if the demand for urea is legitimate for agricultural needs, it will be supplied promptly. However, he warned against any misuse, asserting that any suspected mishandling will be treated seriously.
He urged all state Agriculture Ministers to establish monitoring committees and enhance oversight mechanisms to ensure appropriate use of urea. Furthermore, he instructed officials to develop a five-year agricultural action plan based on feedback from progressive farmers and industry experts.
The minister also emphasized the need to broadly publicize the ministry’s toll-free number for resolving public welfare issues. On the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, he reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency. Compensation funds are directly transferred to farmers’ accounts via digital payment, and any delays in claim settlements by insurance companies or state governments will incur an additional 12% interest payable to the farmers.
This comprehensive approach, as discussed among the Agriculture Ministers from various states including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, and Chhattisgarh, aims to uplift agricultural sector efficiency and tackle pressing challenges facing farmers today.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/08/14/centre-to-launch-nationwide-drive-for-boosting-rabi-crop-on-oct-3/
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Publish Date: 2025-08-14 22:13:00
