Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan today participated as the Chief Guest in the Chaudhary Charan Singh Kisan Samman Ceremony organised by the Kisan Trust at the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, New Delhi. On this occasion, the Union Minister released a book and felicitated progressive farmers and institutions for their exemplary contribution in the field of agriculture. Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, attended the ceremony as the Guest of Honour.

The Union Minister honoured progressive farmer Shri Satyawan Sehrawat; Dr. Devendra Kumar Yadav, who is the Deputy Director General of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, with the Krishi Ratna Award 2025 under the Agricultural Advancement category; Fruvatec Private Limited recognised in the Agripreneurship category; Pratham Education Foundation was awarded in the Kisan Trust Seva Ratna category, while the Kisan Trust Kalam Ratna Award was conferred on Shri Harveer Singh.

While addressing the gathering, Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that Chaudhary Charan Singh remained an ideal figure throughout his life. The entire nation looked up to him with hope and trust. He was an embodiment of truth, humility, and determination, deeply committed to the progress of villages, the poor, and the farmers. Shri Chouhan said that it was Chaudhary Sahib who proclaimed that the path to India’s prosperity passes through the field boundaries of the farmer.

Shri Chouhan added that Chaudhary Charan Singh played a vital role in the freedom struggle. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, he joined the Salt Satyagraha, broke the Salt Law by making salt near the Hindon River, and even went to jail for the cause. After Independence too, he fearlessly stood against injustice. Shri Chouhan remarked that no one contributed more significantly to the abolition of the zamindari system than Chaudhary Charan Singh.

The Union Minister said that it was Chaudhary Sahib who made the remarkable effort to link food grain storage in warehouses with welfare of the poor. The concept of ‘food in exchange of employment’ — ensuring honourable food security for every poor household — was his visionary contribution.

Shri Chouhan also discussed the recently passed ‘Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural)’ — popularly known as ‘G Ram G Law’ — and said that the essence of this new law lies in the spirit of welfare for the poor. He noted that under this law, guaranteed employment has been increased from 100 days to 125 days. He mentioned that last year, an allocation of ₹88,000 crore was made under MGNREGA, which was later raised to ₹1 lakh crore, and further to ₹1.11 lakh crore. “Should such large allocations not be meaningfully utilised for rural development works?” he asked. He observed that the employment guarantee scheme could not achieve its true purpose merely through digging activities, which often gave scope for corruption. The new law, he said, brings major reforms by ensuring not only guaranteed employment but also visible transformation in villages. Each village will prepare its own list of development works, which will then be implemented accordingly. Employment generation and rural development will go hand in hand — construction of schools, drains, roads, culverts, and even farm roads will be undertaken under this scheme.

Shri Chouhan said that the new law classifies panchayats according to their development and employment needs, and funds will be allocated on that basis. The law also considers labourers engaged in sowing, harvesting, and agricultural operations. A strong effort has been made to create a healthy balance between farmers and labourers.

The Union Minister further said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the government is striving to achieve better outcomes. He emphasised the importance of direct dialogue between scientists and farmers, promoting the ‘Lab-to-Land’ vision to bring research findings directly to the fields. The government has decided that scientists will visit farms once a year for direct interaction and exchange of knowledge with farmers. He also urged researchers to align their studies with the actual needs of farmers.

Expressing concern over the sale of fake fertilisers, pesticides, and other unauthorised biostimulants disguised under misleading tags, Shri Chouhan said that the government is taking comprehensive measures against such malpractices. A new bill will be introduced in the upcoming Parliament session to curb these issues. Strict laws will be enacted, and stringent actions will be taken against dishonest traders.

He also urged Kisan Trust to offer suggestions for the upcoming budget session and in formulating five-year plans for the agriculture sector, and invited ideas for the proposed ‘Chintan Shivir’.

Concluding his address, Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan reaffirmed that the government, guided by the values and principles of Chaudhary Charan Singh and led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, will leave no stone unturned in advancing farmer welfare and rural progress.

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RC/AR