Honouring Agricultural Excellence
Shri Chouhan, attending as Chief Guest, released a book and felicitated awardees across multiple categories. Progressive farmer Shri Satyawan Sehrawat was honoured, while Dr. Devendra Kumar Yadav, Deputy Director General of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, received the Krishi Ratna Award 2025. Fruvatec Private Limited was recognised in the Agripreneurship category, Pratham Education Foundation received the Kisan Trust Seva Ratna Award, and Shri Harveer Singh was conferred the Kalam Ratna Award.
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, attended as Guest of Honour.
Tribute to Chaudhary Charan Singh
In his address, Shri Chouhan hailed Chaudhary Charan Singh as a symbol of farmer welfare, rural prosperity, and development. He recalled Singh’s role in the freedom struggle, including participation in the Salt Satyagraha, and his pivotal contribution to abolishing the zamindari system. Chouhan emphasised Singh’s vision that India’s prosperity lies in the fields of its farmers.
He highlighted Singh’s innovative concept of linking food grain storage with welfare, ensuring food security through employment exchange programmes.
New Rural Employment Law
The Union Minister elaborated on the recently passed Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural), popularly known as the ‘G Ram G Law’. The law increases guaranteed employment from 100 to 125 days and ensures allocations under MGNREGA are channelled into meaningful rural development projects.
“Employment guarantee could not be meaningful only through digging work,” he said, stressing that funds must be used for visible transformation in villages. The law mandates construction of schools, drains, roads, culverts, and farm roads, while classifying panchayats based on development needs to ensure balanced allocation of resources.
Balancing Farmers and Labourers
Shri Chouhan underlined that the law seeks to balance the interests of farmers and labourers, covering agricultural operations such as sowing and harvesting. He noted that employment generation and rural development must go hand in hand, creating sustainable livelihoods alongside infrastructure growth.
Scientific Outreach and Farmer Dialogue
Promoting the ‘Lab-to-Land’ vision, Shri Chouhan announced that scientists will visit farms annually to interact directly with farmers. He urged researchers to align their studies with real-world agricultural needs, ensuring innovations reach the grassroots.
Action Against Fake Fertilisers
Expressing concern over fake fertilisers and pesticides, Shri Chouhan revealed that the government will introduce a bill in the upcoming Parliament session to curb such malpractices. Strict laws and enforcement measures will be enacted to protect farmers from exploitation.
Commitment to Farmer Welfare
Concluding his speech, Shri Chouhan reaffirmed that under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, the government remains committed to advancing farmer welfare and rural progress. He invited suggestions from the Kisan Trust for the upcoming budget session and the proposed ‘Chintan Shivir’ to shape future agricultural policies.
