Independence Day Guarantee: Shivraj Singh Chouhan Affirms Farmers' Interests Secured; Scientists Schedules Village Visits from October 3-18 for Enhanced Rabi Crops
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently gathered farmers for Independence Day celebrations at Pusa Campus in New Delhi, where he highlighted several key initiatives by the Indian government to support small farmers and shield them from cheap imports.
Key initiatives include the National Natural Farming Mission, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 23, 2025. This centrally sponsored scheme, with an outlay of Rs 2,481 crore till 2025-26, aims to improve soil health, restore ecosystems, reduce input costs for farmers, and build climate resilience, thereby benefiting small farmers by lowering their production costs and enhancing sustainability.
Another initiative is the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, launched by Chouhan in May 2025. This 15-day nationwide campaign spans nearly 20 states, targeting over 65,000 villages and approximately 1.5 crore farmers. Its goal is to implement the "Lab to Land" vision and promote agricultural development through direct engagement with farmers and scientists.
Regarding protection from cheap imports, Chouhan emphasized that "no trade agreement will be signed that harms the interests of Indian farmers, particularly smallholders owning 1-5 acres compared to large foreign farms spanning thousands of hectares." He warned that allowing a flood of cheap foreign agricultural products like maize, soybeans, and wheat would depress domestic prices, making it impossible for Indian farmers to recover their costs.
Chouhan praised Prime Minister Modi's commitment to prioritizing farmers’ welfare and national interest above trade pressures. He highlighted India’s strategy to seek new markets while refusing to compromise on farmers’ interests, especially amid tariffs and pressure from countries like the US demanding greater agricultural sector access.
During the event, Chouhan also called for tighter regulation to ensure schemes reach farmers effectively. He encouraged the purchase of indigenous goods, stating that it strengthens the economy and generates large-scale employment. He assured farmers that no agreement would ever be signed that harms their interests.
The event was attended by Ministers of State Ramnath Thakur and Bhagirath Choudhary, Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi, ICAR DG Dr. M.L. Jat, and other senior officials.
In the coming weeks, agricultural scientists will visit villages from October 3 to 18 to guide farmers for a better Rabi crop. Chouhan also emphasized the government's action against companies whose herbicides damaged crops, with FIRs registered.
As Union Agriculture Minister, Chouhan reiterated his commitment to serving India's farmers, stating, "Farmers are the soul of India's economy, and serving them is like worshipping God." He also paid tribute to freedom fighters, stating that independence was won through immense sacrifice, and reminded that the peace enjoyed today is due to the courage of soldiers guarding the nation's borders. He concluded by saying, "The country does not provoke but will never spare those who challenge it."
[1] Source: Press Information Bureau, Government of India (PIB) [2] Source: Times of India [3] Source: The Hindu [4] Source: Business Standard [5] Source: PIB, Government of India (PIB)
- The Union Agriculture Minister has prioritized the implementation of policy-and-legislation, such as the National Natural Farming Mission and Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, in an effort to support small farmers in India against cheap imports and foster agricultural development.
- In the realm of politics and general-news, the Union Agriculture Minister has made it clear that trade agreements will not be signed if they negatively impact Indian farmers, particularly smallholders, and has vowed to pursue national interests while ensuring farmers' welfare remains a top priority.
