New Delhi, September 1(HS): As flood-like conditions emerge across several states due to heavy rains, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chauhan, conducted a high-level review of the agricultural sector’s status nationwide, with a focus on flood damages in Punjab. During a meeting held at Krishi Bhavan on Monday, Minister Chauhan received detailed reports from senior officials about the impact of floods on crops and farming communities in affected areas.
Assuring Punjab’s farmers of the government's full support during this natural calamity, Chauhan urged them not to worry, emphasizing that the Centre stands firmly with those impacted by flooding. He announced plans to personally visit flood-hit regions in Punjab to assess conditions on the ground and engage directly with distressed farmers to provide comprehensive assistance.
Senior officials, including Agriculture Secretary Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, updated the minister about agricultural progress across the country, highlighting promising growth in Kharif sowing area compared to last year. The briefing also covered the status of horticulture, with particular attention to production and market prices of key crops like potatoes, onions, and tomatoes. Officials noted that above-average rainfall in many states has positively contributed to reservoirs and crop health.
Minister Chauhan directed officials to promote not only food crop cultivation but also encourage farmers toward horticulture and integrated farming systems to maximize profitability. He stressed the importance of adopting alternative measures alongside traditional grains cultivation to achieve holistic agricultural development. Expanding outreach for integrated farming models among farmers was also mandated to enhance sustainable farming practices.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
