On National Farmers Day 2024, Union Minister of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare, and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed the Kisan Samman Diwas and Farmers and Rural Development Beneficiaries Conference. Organized by the Council of Agricultural Research – Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ICAR-ATARI) in Pune, Maharashtra, the event brought together stakeholders to celebrate and discuss advancements in agriculture and rural development.
Housing for All: A Key Commitment
In his address, Shri Chouhan announced the approval of 13.29 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin Plus (+) for Maharashtra in the financial year 2024-25. These homes are part of a larger target to construct 19.66 lakh houses across the state, with an estimated expenditure of ₹29,501 crore. He lauded Maharashtra as the leading state in India for housing construction targets under the scheme.
The Minister emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring that no individual is deprived of a pucca house. He also highlighted updates to the eligibility criteria under the Awas Plus scheme, extending benefits to those previously excluded, such as individuals owning two-wheelers or telephones.
Women Empowerment Through Economic Initiatives
Shri Chouhan reaffirmed the government’s dedication to women empowerment by announcing a target to create 3 crore Lakhpati Didis across the country. Currently, 1.15 crore women have achieved this milestone through self-help groups, which play a pivotal role in bolstering India’s rural economy.
Increased Focus on Agriculture Budget and Subsidies
Highlighting the government’s commitment to the agriculture sector, the Minister compared current budget allocations with those under the previous administration. While the UPA government allocated ₹23,000 crore, the Modi government has significantly increased the budget to ₹1.27 lakh crore. Additionally, a ₹1.94 lakh crore subsidy has been provided to farmers through various programs.
Natural Farming and Sustainability
The Minister stressed the importance of transitioning towards natural farming, which aligns with the government’s Natural Agriculture Mission. He urged farmers to reduce the use of pesticides and embrace sustainable practices that benefit all living organisms. To support this shift, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently introduced 109 new seed varieties across 65 crops.
Enhancing Agricultural Productivity and Storage
Shri Chouhan emphasized the need to develop water-efficient irrigation technologies and reduce production costs to enhance agricultural profitability. The government has also been working to increase farmers’ storage capacity, ensuring they can store their produce effectively.
Key Messages and Vision
- The National Food Security Program has seen an investment of ₹1,166 lakh crore, with continuous efforts to double farmers’ incomes.
- Transitioning to natural farming is crucial for sustainable agriculture and long-term productivity.
- Innovations in irrigation and cost reduction are vital to strengthening the agricultural sector.
Event Highlights
The conference was attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, senior ministers, and officials from the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. It served as a platform to discuss ongoing efforts to empower farmers and foster rural development.
Shri Chouhan concluded his address by reaffirming the government’s commitment to farmers, emphasizing that advancements in agriculture and rural development are critical to the nation’s progress.
