Agriculture reforms: Rajnath Singh calls for more support for farmers and rural India

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called for further reforms in agriculture, describing the sector as central to India’s economy. Speaking at the three-day Unnat Krishi Mela, Singh said support for farmers and rural India would continue. Singh also said money constraints would not limit future steps for the farming community.

Representative image

Singh listed government schemes aimed at higher farm income and better output. These included PM-Kisan, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Soil Health Card, and an online network of wholesale mandis. Singh said these measures improved farmers’ lives, but added that more work remained for villages and agriculture.

Agriculture reforms: Funds assurance and scheme push

Singh said, "These efforts have transformed the lives of farmers. But I believe the change is not enough. There is a need to do even more for the agriculture sector and our villages,\" while stressing continued backing. Singh also said, \"We will not be worried about funds. The shortage of funds will not be an obstacle. I want to assure you this.\"

Linking the issue to a personal note, Singh said agriculture stayed close despite other roles. Singh said, \"In my political life, I have been Agriculture Minister in the past. Wherever I have gone, the kisan in me has been alive,\" while recalling earlier responsibilities in government.

Agriculture reforms: Defence ministry procurement and millets

Singh said many viewed a defence minister’s work through security alone. Singh said, \"Usually, people see a defence minister as responsible for soldiers and the countrys security, not agriculture. Our responsibility is to ensure the countrys security, but the kisan in me has not gone away,\" linking defence duties with farmer concerns.

Singh said the defence ministry started buying organic fresh vegetables and fruits directly from farmers for cantonment areas. Singh said earlier supplies travelled long distances and lost freshness. Singh said, \"Now we are buying organic produce from farmers,\" adding that the change helped farmers get better prices.

Singh said the Canteen Stores Department was also promoting millets, or shree anna, such as jowar and ragi, along with organic items. Singh said flours made from jowar, bajra and ragi were introduced in the armed forces. Singh said, \"By our efforts, we are again acting upon the slogan Jai Jawan-Jai Kisan.\"

Agriculture reforms: Youth role and farm technology

Singh urged young people to treat agriculture like any other career. Singh said, \"There is huge potential in agriculture. If youth engage in it, farmers income and the farm economy can grow. Our government is always ready to support,\" while pointing to income growth opportunities.

Singh said farming could become smarter with drones, sensors and mobile tools. Singh said the government stayed committed to help so farming became a matter of pride. Singh added that farmers should live with dignity and honour. Singh also said Madhya Pradesh’s progress was fast.

Agriculture reforms: Viksit Bharat goal and state roadmap

Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the aim was a Viksit Bharat. Chouhan said the focus was on raising farm income and productivity, while lowering production costs. Chouhan also said an agri roadmap would be prepared for states using agro-climatic conditions.

Chouhan said the three-day national fair would help farmers through live demonstrations of new farm technologies. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav attended the event. Agriculture ministers from Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh were also present, along with senior central and state government officials.

With inputs from PTI