New Delhi, March 20: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday conducted a comprehensive review of the agriculture sector, focusing on crop losses caused by recent adverse weather, timely settlement of insurance claims, and quicker relief for farmers across states.
The high-level meeting held at Krishi Bhavan discussed damage to crops due to heavy rainfall, hailstorms and other weather-related events, as well as the need to strengthen coordination between the Centre and state governments to ensure prompt assistance to affected farmers.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Chouhan said the government’s approach goes beyond increasing production and includes scientific assessment of crop damage, proper insurance claim processing and timely support to farmers facing losses.
During the review, the minister directed officials to ensure that crop-cutting experiments are carried out quickly and that losses are assessed scientifically so that compensation and insurance claims can be settled without delay. He stressed the importance of close coordination with state governments so that farmers receive relief on time.
Officials were also asked to remain alert as the India Meteorological Department has indicated the possibility of two more western disturbances in the coming days. The meeting reviewed weather forecasts and discussed advisories that should be issued to farmers to minimise risks to standing crops.
Chouhan said agricultural policy must focus not only on production but also on farmer security, income stability and effective risk management. He added that departments and institutions linked to the agriculture sector should work together to prepare a coordinated action plan to address weather-related challenges.
The minister also reviewed progress under the government’s push for self-reliance in pulses production. He said procurement of wheat and paddy is set to begin soon and noted that rabi crops have recorded bumper production this season, resulting in sufficient national stocks.
However, he emphasised that greater attention will now be given to pulses such as tur, urad and masur, assuring farmers that the government will procure their produce to ensure fair returns under the Minimum Support Price system.
Procurement of pulses will be undertaken by state governments as well as central agencies including the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India and the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India to prevent distress sales.
Chouhan also highlighted the need to improve crop quality alongside increasing production, citing the example of premium-quality Sharbati wheat from Madhya Pradesh, which commands higher market prices. He said efforts will be made to promote better crop varieties, bio-fortified seeds and improved farming practices to help farmers earn more than the MSP.
The meeting further reviewed preparations for the nationwide Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, aimed at delivering scientific advisories, advanced technologies and region-specific guidance to farmers before the sowing season.
As part of this effort, regional conferences will be organised across five zones of the country involving scientists, agricultural experts, successful farmers and representatives of farmer producer organisations and the private sector. Conferences have been scheduled for April 7 in Jaipur, April 17 in Lucknow and April 24 in Odisha, while dates for two additional meetings will be announced soon.
The minister said the government is preparing crop-wise and state-wise roadmaps covering the entire agricultural value chain — from seeds to markets — to strengthen support for farmers and boost agricultural growth.
