On December 23, 2024, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening India's agriculture sector. Speaking at the Platinum Jubilee Conference of Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (AERC) in Pune, he highlighted the sector's critical role in contributing 18% to India's GDP, with a particular focus on its resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Chouhan stated that India’s agriculture sector had proven itself to be more resilient than in many other nations during the crisis, continuing to support the nation's economy and food security.

Emphasizing Research and Direct Benefits to Farmers

Mr. Chouhan stressed that agricultural research should extend beyond laboratory walls and be implemented directly to benefit farmers. He pointed out that India’s agricultural roots are deeply intertwined with its cultural identity, and the government is committed to supporting sustainable farming practices. He advocated for practices like natural farming, which minimize pesticide use, thereby improving production quality while ensuring environmental sustainability.

Government's Focus on Strengthening the Agricultural Infrastructure

The Minister spoke about the government’s initiatives to increase the storage capacity for farmers, which is critical for preserving produce and reducing post-harvest losses. He mentioned a new scheme currently being developed to facilitate the transportation of agricultural products across state boundaries, ensuring that farmers can access broader markets and reduce supply chain inefficiencies. These measures aim to enhance agricultural productivity and benefit farmers financially by improving their access to both storage and transportation.

New River-Linking Project and Other Government Initiatives

A key highlight of Mr. Chouhan’s address was the announcement of the upcoming river-linking project, which is slated for launch by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 25, 2024. The project aims to address the regional disparities caused by floods and droughts, ensuring a more balanced distribution of water resources across the country. This will help farmers in areas suffering from water shortages and mitigate the adverse effects of floods.

The government has also introduced initiatives like the Modern Krishi Choupal on the DD Kisan Channel, which serves as a platform for communication between farmers, researchers, and scientists. This initiative aims to bridge the knowledge gap, providing farmers with access to up-to-date information on agricultural best practices, technologies, and market trends.

Support for Farmers and Minimum Support Price (MSP) Increases

In his speech, Mr. Chouhan emphasized the government’s efforts to provide immediate relief to farmers through various subsidies, including the Kisan Credit Card. This initiative has enabled farmers to access instant financial relief for purchasing seeds, fertilizers, and other farming essentials. Between 2014 and 2024, the government has also doubled the minimum support price (MSP) for various agricultural products, significantly benefiting farmers by providing a fair price for their produce.

Reducing Production Costs and Enhancing Local Agricultural Benefits

Mr. Chouhan pointed out that reducing production costs and implementing policies that benefit local agriculture were key to reducing India’s reliance on imported goods. He emphasized that the government is working on enhancing local production to not only meet the domestic demand but also to increase India’s global competitiveness in the agriculture sector.

Conclusion

The address by Shivraj Singh Chouhan underscores the government's comprehensive efforts to improve the agricultural sector in India. By focusing on sustainable farming, research, and agriculture infrastructure, the government is empowering farmers and enhancing agricultural productivity. The upcoming river-linking project and various farmer support initiatives like the Kisan Credit Card will play a crucial role in ensuring the sector's long-term success and contributing to India’s overall economic growth.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Anya Polytech, Citichem India, Solar91 Cleantech, Rosmerta Digital, Indo Farm, and Avanse Financial. The Current active IPO is Unimech Aerospace, Ventive Hospitality, Senores Pharmaceuticals, Carraro India.
For more details on upcoming IPOs, you can visit our page at  and stay updated with the latest news on IPO updates on . Join our  for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by  - SEBI Registered Research Analyst &  for Regular Share Market, News & IPO Updates. Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by opening a Free Demat Account in .Best IPO to Apply Now - IPO List 2024, Latest IPO, Upcoming IPO, Recent IPO News, Live IPO GMP Today - Finance SaathiTop News Headlines - Share Market News, Latest IPO News, Business News, Economy News - Finance SaathiTrading with CA Abhay Telegram ChannelCA Abhay VarnFinance Saathi Telegram ChannelChoice Broking FinX.