New Delhi, 25 February (H.S.):
Inaugurating the three-day Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Pusa, Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan unveiled a comprehensive roadmap for transformative agricultural reforms, steering farming toward a Viksit Krishi-Atmanirbhar Bharat.
He issued a firm directive: the outdated practice of withholding farmers' payments ends now, with transparency, timeliness, and accountability mandated across MSP procurement, KCC loans, pesticide licenses, and KVK operations.
On Wednesday, Chouhan launched the prestigious annual Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela at the ICAR-IARI complex through a tree-planting ceremony. Attendees included Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi, ICAR Director General and DA&RE Secretary Dr. M.L. Jat, IARI Director Dr. C.H. Srinivas Rao, alongside numerous scientists, progressive farmers, and institutional representatives.
Seven farmers received the IARI Krishi Adhyeta Award, reinforcing the Kisan Pratham ethos. Addressing payment delays, Chouhan warned sternly that any agency or state government delaying farmers' dues must pay 12% interest. He declared an end to parking government funds in accounts for profit while farmers wait.
The minister clarified that the Centre will not delay its share; even if states falter, direct transfers to farmers' accounts are under active consideration to ensure seamless, timely benefits.Highlighting subsidies for farm mechanization, drip irrigation, sprinklers, polyhouses, and greenhouses under over 18 schemes, Chouhan stressed that mere fund releases fall short.
Citing a district where 700 farmers were listed but 158 received no machines, he emphasized robust monitoring as a key reform to guarantee benefits reach genuine beneficiaries.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
