Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Three-Day Maharashtra Visit to Focus on Farmers and Rural Development
The Minister’s visit underscores the Government of India’s continued emphasis on inclusive rural prosperity and farmer-centric development. Through a series of interactions, public programmes, and institutional engagements, Shri Chouhan will outline central government initiatives and gather grassroots feedback to further refine policy implementation.
On December 31, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan began his Maharashtra tour in Ahilya Nagar district, where he attended multiple programmes dedicated to the farming community. A key stop on the first day was the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Agricultural Science Centre) at Babhaleshwar, where the Union Minister interacted with farmer groups and agricultural experts.
During these interactions, discussions focused on region-specific agricultural challenges, including crop productivity, irrigation management, water conservation, crop insurance coverage, and market access. The Minister encouraged farmers to adopt modern agricultural practices while preserving sustainable and natural farming methods.
Focus on Enhancing Farmers’ Income
Shri Chouhan shared his vision for improving farmers’ income through crop diversification, value addition, and the use of modern technologies. He highlighted the role of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in strengthening collective farming and improving bargaining power in markets.
The Union Minister also stressed the importance of natural farming, soil health management, and efficient use of resources. He assured farmers that the central government remains committed to addressing their concerns through targeted schemes and effective implementation at the grassroots level.
New Year’s Day Gram Sabha at Loni Budruk
On January 1, 2026, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan will begin the New Year with a plantation drive, symbolising the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability. This will be followed by a virtual address to officers of the Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development, during which he will administer a pledge to renew commitment towards achieving national goals.
Later in the afternoon, the Union Minister will participate in a Gram Sabha at Loni Budruk village near Shirdi. At this programme, he will directly interact with villagers, workers, and labourers, listening to their concerns and sharing the government’s future roadmap for rural welfare and employment generation.
Key Programme in Nashik on January 2
The final day of the visit, January 2, will feature a major programme at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra of Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU), Nashik. The event will begin with interactions between the Union Minister and the Vice-Chancellor along with senior university officials.
Shri Chouhan will deliver the keynote address during the formal inaugural session, highlighting central government initiatives aimed at agricultural transformation, rural livelihoods, and youth empowerment through research, innovation, and skill development.
Interaction with Students and Young Professionals
The Nashik programme will include an interactive question-and-answer session, providing students, researchers, and young professionals an opportunity to engage directly with the Union Minister. Topics are expected to include sustainable agriculture, employment opportunities in rural areas, and the role of innovation in strengthening India’s agri-economy.
Through this engagement, Shri Chouhan aims to inspire young minds to contribute to agriculture and rural development while leveraging technology and scientific research.