Agri Minister Chouhan reviews Kharif season preparedness

New Delhi: Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, conducted a comprehensive review of the preparations for the upcoming Kharif season at Krishi Bhawan.

During the meeting with officials from various departments, Minister Chouhan emphasized the critical need to ensure the timely availability of fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides to facilitate a successful planting season.

Chouhan highlighted the importance of avoiding any supply chain bottlenecks that could delay sowing and subsequently impact crop production. He directed the concerned departments to maintain constant monitoring and review of the supply situation to prevent any difficulties for farmers. Expressing optimism, the Minister noted the positive forecast for an above-normal Southwest monsoon this year.

Presentations were made by officials from the Department of Fertilizers, the Central Water Commission, and the Indian Meteorological Department. Secretary of the Department for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Manoj Ahuja, along with senior ministry officials, briefed Minister Chouhan on the preparedness efforts for the Kharif season.

In a separate review of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Minister Chouhan underscored the need for increased mechanization of farms to boost agricultural productivity. He advocated for linking agricultural education with practical farming practices to ensure that graduates in agricultural sciences can directly contribute to farming.

The Minister stressed the importance of enhancing the utility of Kisan Vikas Kendras (KVKs) to ensure they effectively reach and benefit the country’s farmers. He called on scientists to focus on improving productivity and developing new crop varieties, asserting that the effective use of technological practices could revolutionize the agriculture sector. Additionally, Chouhan encouraged the simplification of natural farming practices to increase their adoption among farmers.

Himanshu Pathak, Secretary of DARE and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) provided an overview of ICAR’s activities and its 100-day plan, which includes developing 100 crop varieties and certifying 100 new technologies.

Ministers of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Ramnath Thakur and Bhagirath Choudhary, were also present during the meetings, contributing to the discussions on enhancing the agricultural sector’s readiness and efficiency for the forthcoming Kharif season.