Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan speaks for over an hour in the Lok Sabha on comprehensive agricultural development and farmer welfare in the country

New Delhi(The Uttam Hindu): Responding today in the Lok Sabha to the extensive discussion held regarding the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, adopted an assertive stance to unequivocally declare that the Modi government does not merely run the administration; it transforms society, changes lives, and shapes the future of the nation. His comprehensive response—focused on farmers' interests, agricultural reforms, modern technology, irrigation, insurance, natural farming, and digital agriculture—sought to dismantle the opposition's attacks using concrete data and logical arguments.

“Engage in politics, but do not play petty politics over the farmers”

Taking aim at the opposition, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh asserted that merely relying on political slogans and half-truths in the name of farmers will not suffice; one must address the ground realities prevailing in the fields and farmyards. He stated unequivocally that when politics is conducted in the name of farmers, the question should not be, "Why has the Prime Minister's name been attached to it?" Rather, the focus should be on what tangible work has been accomplished for the farmers on the ground, how much money has reached their accounts directly, and what systemic changes have been implemented.

MSP, Irrigation, and River Linking: Claiming to Advance an Unfinished Legacy

Mr. Chauhan recalled that during the tenure of the UPA government, 99 out of 140 irrigation projects had remained stalled for decades, with absolutely no progress being made on them. The Modi government prioritized these projects under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (Prime Minister's Agricultural Irrigation Scheme) and rapidly accelerated efforts to ensure an additional irrigated area of ​​approximately 2.7 million hectares. He further noted that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s "River Linking" dream project also truly gained momentum under the Modi government, with the launch of initiatives—such as the Ken-Betwa project—aimed at connecting Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh to provide a long-term solution to the recurring problems of floods and droughts. The message was clear: the Modi government demonstrated the political will and administrative capacity to complete the very schemes that the Congress party had left in limbo for years.

Quality Seeds and Pesticides: We Will Not Allow Farmers to be Deceived

The Minister asserted that merely announcing a financial payout of ₹500 or ₹1,000 would not truly benefit farmers; the real issue lies in the quality of the seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides available to them. He announced that the government is set to introduce a new Pesticide Act and a new Seed Act, which will ensure that farmers have access to: quality seeds, standardized fertilizers, and safe and effective pesticides. Mr. Chauhan explained that the government has established a clear protocol stipulating that no bio-stimulant shall be permitted for sale in the market unless at least three independent trials—conducted at ICAR institutions or agricultural universities—certify its efficacy and benefits. "Out of approximately 8,000 products, only about 500 have met the prescribed standards; the rest have not been granted approval," he stated, conveying the message that the Modi government is committed to cracking down on those who defraud farmers.

Digital Revolution: 90 Million Farmer IDs and the ‘Bharat Vistar’ AI Platform

Mr. Chauhan explained that, under the Digital Agriculture Mission, approximately 90 million Farmer IDs have been generated to date. Once a farmer possesses a Farmer ID, the approval of a bank loan should take no more than "one minute," as their entire profile—including data regarding their land, crops, and financial transactions—will be digitally accessible. Previously, farmers were compelled to make repeated rounds of banks, a process that consumed both time and money through the handling of physical files and paperwork; this impediment is now being eliminated through digital platforms. He added that, through the utilization of digital crop surveys and Agri-Stack data, farmers will receive targeted and transparent benefits across every scheme—ranging from PM-Kisan to MSP procurement.

Citing the Finance Minister's announcement, Shivraj Singh Chauhan revealed that the government has developed an AI platform named ‘Bharat Vistar.’ Through this platform, a farmer can send a photograph of their crop directly from the field—or simply make a phone call—to seek guidance on questions such as: "What disease is affecting my crop? Which pesticide should I apply? Which crop variety is best suited for my specific soil type?" They will receive immediate, personalized advice in their own regional language—specifying the appropriate pesticide, management techniques, and crop recommendations. The Minister described this as a powerful new tool—placing expert advice and technology directly into the hands of the farmer—thereby symbolizing the Modi government’s model of "Tech-Driven Farmer Welfare."

Natural Farming, Soil Health, and State-Specific Agricultural Roadmaps

Reiterating his earlier statements, Mr. Chauhan noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is deeply concerned that the excessive use of chemical fertilizers is deteriorating the health of 'Mother Earth'—to the point where the land may eventually cease to yield produce for future generations. Driven by this very sentiment under the Natural Farming Mission, the objective is to raise awareness among 10 million farmers, train 1.8 million farmers, and implement natural farming across 7.5 million hectares in a phased manner—an initiative that has already seen the participation of hundreds of thousands of farmers and millions of hectares of land.

He stated that it is scientifically proven that when executed correctly, natural farming—in many instances—does not lead to a decline in yield but can actually result in an increase, while simultaneously bringing about a drastic reduction in costs. For this very reason, the Modi government is championing this initiative, regarding it as a "sacred trust of the soil for India's future generations." Mr. Chauhan further clarified that, despite agriculture being a State subject, the Centre is now collaborating with every State to formulate "State Agriculture Roadmaps" tailored to specific agro-climatic conditions. A joint action plan is currently being drafted in collaboration with expert teams from the ICAR and the respective State governments to determine which crops, fruits, and vegetables are best suited for specific regions, and which value chains can be effectively developed within particular districts.

“If Modi is there, it is possible”: From Farmer Welfare to a Developed India

In his response, Shivraj Singh Chauhan linked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership style to the ethos of a "Pradhan Sevak" (Prime Servant). He asserted that, for the Modi government, the individual standing at the very back and bottom of society represents "Daridra Narayan" (God incarnate in the poor), and that serving such an individual constitutes the highest form of "worship of God." He emphasized that the Modi government’s objective extends beyond merely boosting agricultural production; its true goal is to enhance farmers' incomes, foster rural prosperity, and build a self-reliant and developed India.

In his signature style, he remarked: “Who says that the sky cannot be pierced?

One simply needs to hurl a stone with sufficient force, my friends. And with Modi, this is indeed possible.” Mr. Chauhan conveyed a clear message: while Congress governments merely "ran the administration," the Modi government is resolutely committed to transforming the lives of farmers and shaping the future of India. With this very political energy and administrative vigor, he reiterated his resolve to drive forward the agenda for farmers, agricultural reforms, and rural development.