On December 16, 2024, Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan convened a pivotal pre-budget consultation at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi. This gathering united farmers, agricultural entrepreneurs, Farmer Producer Associations, and representatives from various agriculture-related organizations, all aiming to shape policies that enhance agricultural growth and farmer welfare.
A Collaborative Approach to Policy Formation
Minister Chouhan emphasized the government’s dedication to incorporating stakeholder insights into the upcoming budget. He assured attendees that their valuable suggestions would be meticulously reviewed and presented to the Finance Minister. Highlighting the Ministry’s proactive stance, Chouhan mentioned ongoing internal studies and a commitment to revisiting existing schemes to amplify their effectiveness. He acknowledged the indispensable role of stakeholder experiences in crafting practical and impactful agricultural policies.
Key Suggestions from Stakeholders
The consultation yielded several insightful recommendations:
- Enhancing Value Addition: Stakeholders proposed strategies to boost value addition in agriculture, aiming to increase farmers’ income and market reach.
- Improving Export Facilities: Suggestions were made to upgrade facilities for exporters, facilitating smoother access to international markets for agricultural produce.
- Expanding Agricultural Research: Emphasis was placed on investing in research to develop resilient crop varieties and innovative farming techniques.
- Regulating Agricultural Inputs: The need for stringent regulation of the price and quality of agricultural inputs was highlighted to ensure fair practices and quality assurance.
- Ensuring Financial Stability: Proposals were made to implement measures that safeguard farmers’ financial well-being, including better access to credit and insurance schemes.
Minister Chouhan expressed confidence that these field-rooted insights would significantly contribute to the welfare of farmers and the sector’s overall growth.
Government Initiatives to Empower Farmers
Highlighting the government’s efforts, Chouhan noted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dedication of 109 new crop varieties developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to the nation. These varieties are tailored to meet the evolving challenges of climate change and nutritional security. Additionally, he mentioned innovative initiatives like the Kisan Panchayat model, inspired by its success in Madhya Pradesh, as a potential tool for direct farmer engagement and issue resolution.
Diverse Participation for Comprehensive Dialogue
The meeting witnessed the participation of senior officials, including Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, along with representatives from ICAR, NABARD, and leading industry bodies like CII, PHD Chamber of Commerce, and ASSOCHAM. Financial institutions, including the State Bank of India and the Soybean Processors Association of India, were also represented, ensuring a comprehensive dialogue encompassing various facets of the agricultural sector.
Budget Allocation Reflects Commitment
For the fiscal year 2024-25, the Ministry of Agriculture was allocated ₹1,32,470 crore, marking a 5% increase from the revised estimate of ₹1,26,666 crore in 2023-24. This increment underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to the agricultural sector and its determination to support farmers through enhanced budgetary provisions.
Looking Ahead
The pre-budget consultation led by Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan signifies a collaborative and inclusive approach to policy formulation in the agricultural sector. By actively engaging with key stakeholders, the government demonstrates its commitment to addressing the challenges faced by farmers and enhancing the overall growth of agriculture in India. The insights and suggestions garnered from this meeting are poised to play a crucial role in shaping the policies and initiatives outlined in Budget 2025, aiming for a more prosperous and resilient agricultural landscape.
Also Read:
- AgriStack Farmer Registry Gujarat 2025: Step-by-Step Registration Guide @gjfr.agristack.gov.in
- Uttar Pradesh Farmer Registration @upfr.agristack.gov.in
- Farmer Registry Challenges: Fixing Name Mismatches, Zero Match Scores, and Land Errors
- How to Edit Farmer Registry in Gujarat – Step-by-Step Guide for Agristack Farmer Registry
- Agristack Farmer Registry in Maharashtra @mhfr.agristack.gov.in
