Meerut, Uttar Pradesh | June 1, 2025
On the fourth day of the nationwide campaign ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, visited the Dabhthuwa and Jangethi villages in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, to interact directly with farmers and understand their concerns on the ground.
In a unique and heartfelt interaction, the Minister chose to sit on a traditional charpai (cot) under the open sky, engaging in informal conversations with local farmers. The initiative marks a shift towards grassroots-level engagement aimed at transforming Indian agriculture into a more productive, sustainable, and farmer-centric sector.
Direct Dialogue with Farmers
Speaking to the media during the visit, Shri Chouhan explained the vision behind the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’. He said that the campaign is focused on having village-level assemblies or chaupals, where farmers can freely express their challenges and experiences. The minister emphasized that such direct dialogues are vital for understanding the actual problems faced by the farmers, which cannot be grasped fully through reports or official meetings alone.
“We have come here not just as officials, but as a team — including agricultural scientists — to listen, learn, and guide,” he said.
Key Objectives of the Campaign
Shri Chouhan outlined the four core goals of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan:
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Increase Agricultural Production:
Through the adoption of advanced farming techniques, better seeds, and efficient water management, the government aims to help farmers significantly boost their crop yields. -
Reduce Input Costs:
The campaign encourages practices that lower the cost of fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation, so that farmers can earn more without increasing investment. -
Ensure Fair Prices for Produce:
The Minister stressed that better access to markets, transparent pricing mechanisms, and support systems are crucial to ensure that farmers get the right value for their crops. -
Minimize Post-Harvest Losses:
Reducing wastage through improved storage, processing units, and supply chain infrastructure is another key focus of the campaign.
The Chaupal Model – A Traditional Platform for Modern Dialogue
By choosing to sit with the farmers on a charpai rather than behind a podium, Shri Chouhan demonstrated a down-to-earth approach that resonated deeply with the rural community. Farmers appreciated this direct engagement and shared their on-ground experiences openly.
Many local farmers spoke about their concerns regarding fluctuating prices, increasing input costs, and unpredictable weather conditions. Agricultural scientists accompanying the Minister provided insights into solutions like crop diversification, use of organic fertilizers, and newer irrigation techniques.
A Step Toward a Developed Agricultural Ecosystem
The ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ (Campaign for Developed Agriculture) is a part of the larger national vision to make Indian agriculture self-reliant, tech-enabled, and resilient. By taking the campaign directly to the villages, the government aims to reach every farmer with new schemes, training, and support.
The visit concluded with Shri Chouhan assuring the farmers that the government is committed to their welfare and prosperity. He encouraged them to adopt innovative methods and assured continuous support from both the Ministry and agricultural research institutions.
