Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, today met Assam’s Minister for Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, and Veterinary Services, Shri Atul Bora, and Rajasthan’s Minister for Agriculture, Horticulture, and Rural Development, Dr. Kirori Lal Meena, at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi. 

The meetings focused on discussions related to agriculture and rural development in both states. Shri Chouhan affirmed that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the central government is fully committed to the holistic development of farmers and rural communities across all states, including Assam and Rajasthan. He assured that the government stands with farmers whenever they face challenges.  

During the meeting with Shri Bora, the Union Minister inquired about farmers affected by recent floods in some districts of Assam and announced that he would soon visit these flood-affected areas to take a first-hand account of the farmers’ plight. Shri Chouhan noted that while some districts in Assam were hit by floods, others faced severe drought. He assured that both the state and central governments would make every possible effort to provide relief to farmers in these affected regions. “We will stand shoulder to shoulder with the farmers of the state in any natural calamity. We understand their hardships and will take measures to provide them relief,” he said.

Responding to the concern raised by Shri Bora regarding the lack of notification for certain crop varieties in Assam, Shri Chouhan instructed the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to notify suitable varieties of rajma, masoor (lentil), arhar (pigeon pea), sunflower, fodder maize, garlic, and onion specific to Assam’s agro-climatic conditions. To ensure farmers benefit from the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), he also directed relaxation of the mandatory Digital Farmer Registry requirement. Additionally, he approved a one-year extension for the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCD-NER) in Assam and instructed ministry officials to examine other related matters. The meeting was attended by Union Agriculture Secretary Shri Devesh Chaturvedi and senior officials from the Ministry and Assam’s agriculture department.

In the meeting with Rajasthan Minister Shri Meena, the Union Minister was briefed on the state’s actions against counterfeit seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides. Shri Chouhan emphasised that he has taken the issue very seriously and announced that stringent action will be taken through tougher legislation, the process for which has already begun. He also shared that he had written to all state Chief Ministers, urging action on this issue. “The central government will not allow any fraud against farmers — those who commit wrongdoing will not be spared,” the Union Minister warned.

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RC/KSR/AR