Union Agriculture Minister urges farmers to adopt modern technology, horticulture and medicinal crops for higher income
Raipur (Economy India): Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ WelfareShivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday asserted that Indian agriculture must evolve beyond subsistence farming and transform into a profitable, market-driven enterprise if farmers’ incomes are to rise sustainably.
Addressing a large gathering at a Kisan Mela in Kumhari, Chhattisgarh, the minister called upon farmers to embrace advanced agricultural technologies, improved seeds, horticulture, floriculture, vegetable cultivation and medicinal crops, alongside traditional farming practices.
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“If we want to increase farmers’ income, agriculture has to be treated as a profitable business. Along with traditional crops, farmers must adopt modern technology and diversify into fruits, vegetables, spices and medicinal plants,” Chouhan said.
Farming Must Become a Profitable Enterprise, Not Just a Livelihood: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Agriculture Growth at 4.45%, Even Marginal Gains Are Significant
Highlighting the sector’s performance, Chouhan said India’s agriculture sector is currently growing at 4.45%, a notable achievement for a sector where even a 1–2% rise is considered substantial.
“Indian farmers, through sheer hard work and perseverance, have changed the direction and condition of the country,” he noted.
He reiterated that agriculture remains the backbone of the Indian economy, describing farmers not merely as annadatas (food providers) but as lifelines of the nation.
India Becomes World’s Largest Rice Producer, Surpasses China
The Union Minister pointed out that India has emerged as the world’s largest producer of rice, overtaking China.
Total rice production: 180 million tonnes
Chhattisgarh: Recognised as the “Rice Bowl of India”
He also underlined the rapid growth in fruit and vegetable production, noting that rising consumption patterns are creating new income opportunities for farmers.
“The growth rate in vegetable production is remarkable, and fruits are increasingly becoming a part of everyday diets,” Chouhan said.
From Paddy to Produce: Diversification Key to Higher Returns
Chouhan stressed that diversification is no longer optional but essential for profitability. He cited examples from Chhattisgarh where innovative farmers are experimenting with high-value crops.
During his visit to local farms, he observed:
Tomatoes grown on brinjal rootstock
Capsicum cultivated on chilli plants
Cultivation of sugarcane, cotton, banana, blueberry and dragon fruit
Farmers informed the minister that:
Traditional paddy farming yields savings of ₹35,000–40,000 per acre
Vegetable cultivation can generate net profits of up to ₹2 lakh per acre
“These examples clearly show how innovation and diversification can multiply farmers’ income,” Chouhan said.
Crackdown on Fake Seeds and Fertilisers, New Seed Law Coming
Expressing concern over the menace of spurious seeds and fertilisers, the Agriculture Minister announced that the government will introduce a new Seed Act in the upcoming session of Parliament.
“Strict action will be taken against those supplying substandard seeds. Farmers cannot be left at the mercy of fake inputs,” he said.
He also revealed that a new pesticide regulation law is in the pipeline and assured full government support for agricultural research and innovation.
Farmers Demand Hi-Tech Mandis and Training Centres
At the Kisan Mela, progressive farmers demanded the establishment of hi-tech mandis and agricultural training centres. Responding to the demand, Chouhan said the Centre would make every possible effort to encourage farmers and strengthen agricultural infrastructure.
He also invited progressive farmers to participate in the National Agriculture Chintan Shivir, scheduled to be held in New Delhi in February.
Farmers at the Centre of Modi Government’s Vision
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Chouhan said:
“Farmers are the highest priority of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Centre and state governments together will ensure that farming becomes more profitable and secure.”
He later inspected exhibitions showcasing modern farm machinery and agricultural products displayed by farmer-led national and international companies.
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