Raipur, Jan 31: The Central Government will soon introduce new agricultural laws to impose strict and punitive action against those involved in selling fake seeds, spurious fertilisers and counterfeit pesticides, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Friday. He asserted that tampering with a farmer’s hard work, crops and future would no longer be tolerated under any circumstances.
Delivering a strong policy message during his one-day visit to Chhattisgarh, the Union Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, farmers and their holistic development remain the government’s highest priority. He described the sale of fake agricultural inputs as not just an economic offence but a betrayal of farmers’ trust, and warned that anti-social elements involved in such practices would face strict action under the law.
At the start of his visit, Shri Chouhan toured Girhola and Khapri villages in Durg district, where he stepped onto field bunds and interacted directly with farmers. He inspected nurseries, agricultural fields and farms, and took stock of crop cycles, horticulture practices, irrigation systems, seed production and the use of modern agricultural technologies.
In Girhola village, the Union Minister planted a mango sapling, underlining the importance of environmental conservation and green development. He said tree plantation not only helps protect the environment but can also serve as a sustainable source of long-term income for farmers. He encouraged farmers to combine horticulture and tree-based farming with traditional agricultural practices.
Later, Shri Chouhan visited the Anil Agriculture Farm in Khapri village, where he inspected fields and addressed a farmers’ chaupal. Congratulating progressive farmers, he said Chhattisgarh’s farming community is increasingly adopting modern technologies while preserving traditional methods, setting an example for the rest of the country.
During interactions, the Union Minister observed that diversification from paddy to horticulture, vegetable cultivation and other crops is significantly increasing farmers’ incomes in the state. Farmers informed him that horticultural crops are providing higher returns compared to paddy. Stressing that crop diversification is the need of the hour, he urged more farmers to move in this direction.
Shri Chouhan also highlighted major central government schemes aimed at supporting farmers. He said the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme provides direct income support to small and marginal farmers, while the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana safeguards them against crop losses due to natural calamities. The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, he added, promotes innovation and productivity growth, and initiatives under the Digital Agriculture Mission and drone technology are helping in crop monitoring, pesticide spraying and cost reduction.
Describing natural farming, micro-irrigation and water conservation–based agriculture as the future, the Union Minister urged farmers to adopt these practices on a large scale. He also emphasised rural development schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and the National Rural Livelihood Mission, saying these programmes are strengthening village infrastructure, connectivity, employment and self-reliance.
Reiterating the Centre’s resolve to make agriculture profitable and ensure steady growth in farmers’ incomes, Shri Chouhan said a new agricultural revolution would emerge through modern technology, strong policies, effective laws and farmers’ hard work. The one-day visit, officials said, is being seen as a significant step towards strengthening agricultural infrastructure, spreading awareness and promoting modern farming practices in Chhattisgarh.
Chhattisgarh Home Minister Vijay Sharma; Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Tribal Development Ramvichar Netam; Minister for School Education, Law and Public Works Gajendra Yadav; Ahivara MLA Doman Lal Korsewada; agricultural scientists, senior officials and a large number of farmers were present on the occasion.
