Shivraj Singh Defends Govt’s Farm Agenda in Lok Sabha, Highlights Digital Push, Irrigation Gains and Input Reforms

Taking a direct swipe at critics, Shri Chouhan said that raising slogans and presenting half-truths does little to address the realities faced by farmers.

Delivering a sharp and data-backed reply in the Lok Sabha, Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan mounted a strong defence of the government’s agricultural policies, asserting that the Modi-led administration is focused not merely on governance but on transforming rural India and improving farmers’ lives at scale.

Responding point-by-point to Opposition criticism, the Minister outlined a comprehensive roadmap covering irrigation, digital agriculture, input quality, natural farming, and AI-driven advisory systems, positioning agriculture at the core of India’s development vision.

“Real Work, Not Rhetoric”: Minister Targets Opposition Narrative

Taking a direct swipe at critics, Shri Chouhan said that raising slogans and presenting half-truths does little to address the realities faced by farmers.

“The real question is how much money has reached farmers’ bank accounts and what structural changes have been made on the ground,” he stated.

He emphasized that the government’s approach is rooted in systemic reforms and direct benefit delivery, rather than symbolic announcements.

Irrigation Push: 99 Stalled Projects Revived, 27 Lakh Hectares Targeted

Highlighting irrigation as a cornerstone of agricultural growth, the Minister noted that 99 out of 140 major irrigation projects had remained stalled for decades under previous governments.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY):

• These projects have been fast-tracked

• Irrigation coverage is being expanded to 2.7 million hectares (27 lakh hectares)

He also pointed to renewed momentum in river-linking projects, especially the Ken–Betwa River Linking Project, aimed at addressing both flood and drought challenges in central India.

Crackdown on Substandard Inputs: New Seed and Pesticide Laws Coming

In a major policy signal, Shri Chouhan announced that the government will soon introduce:

• A new Seed Act

• A new Pesticide Act

These reforms aim to ensure:

• High-quality seeds

• Standardized fertilizers

• Safe and effective pesticides

He revealed that out of nearly 8,000 bio-stimulant products in the market, only around 500 have cleared scientific validation, while the rest have been rejected.

“Farmers will not be cheated,” he asserted, stressing that strict ICAR-backed trials will be mandatory before any product reaches the market.

Digital Agriculture Revolution: 9 Crore Farmer IDs Created

The Minister highlighted rapid progress under the Digital Agriculture Mission, announcing that:

• Nearly 9 crore Farmer IDs have already been generated

These IDs integrate:

• Land records

• Crop details

• Financial and transaction data

He explained that this will enable:

• Instant loan approvals (within minutes)

• Targeted delivery of schemes like PM-KISAN and MSP procurement

• Reduction in bureaucratic hurdles

AI-Powered ‘Bharat Vistaar’: Expert Advice at Farmers’ Fingertips

In a major technological leap, Shri Chouhan unveiled details of the AI-based platform “Bharat Vistaar.”

Through this system, farmers can:

• Upload crop images from fields

• Call helplines in local languages

• Receive instant advice on:

  • Crop diseases

  • Suitable pesticides

  • Best crops for their soil

The platform aims to democratize access to expert agricultural knowledge, especially for small and marginal farmers.

Natural Farming Mission: 1 Crore Farmers to Be Reached

Addressing sustainability concerns, the Minister reiterated the government’s push toward natural farming.

Targets under the mission include:

• 1 crore farmers to be sensitized

• 18 lakh farmers to be trained

• Expansion to 75 lakh hectares of land

He noted that early results indicate that natural farming can:

• Maintain or increase productivity

• Reduce input costs

• Improve long-term soil health

State-Specific Agricultural Roadmaps in the Works

Recognizing agriculture as a state subject, the Centre is working with states to develop region-specific agricultural strategies based on:

• Agro-climatic conditions

• Soil health profiles

• Crop suitability

These roadmaps aim to:

• Promote crop diversification

• Build district-level value chains

• Integrate scientific inputs from ICAR and agricultural universities

From Farmer Welfare to ‘Viksit Bharat’

In his concluding remarks, Shri Chouhan framed farmer welfare as central to India’s development vision.

He invoked the concept of ‘Daridra Narayan’, emphasizing that serving the poorest is akin to serving God, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to:

• Enhancing farmer incomes

• Strengthening rural prosperity

• Building a self-reliant, developed India

Ending on a poetic note, he said:

“Kaun kehta hai ki aasman mein suraakh nahin ho sakta,Ek patthar to tabiyat se uchhalo yaaro.”

The Minister asserted that the government remains determined to reshape India’s agricultural landscape through reforms, technology, and sustained investment, signaling an aggressive push toward the next phase of rural transformation.