New Delhi : Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, on Tuesday chaired a high-level review meeting at his residence to assess preparedness of the farm sector in view of global uncertainties and the upcoming Kharif season.
Emphasising the need for proactive governance during challenging times, the Minister directed senior officials of the Agriculture Ministry to remain vigilant and responsive to emerging issues affecting farmers.
Focus on fertilizer supply and Farmer ID system
Shri Chouhan stressed the importance of ensuring a seamless and equitable supply of fertilizers across the country. He also instructed officials to fast-track the implementation of the ‘Farmer ID’ system to enhance transparency in distribution. The Minister indicated that a meeting with state Chief Ministers and Agriculture Ministers would be convened soon to further streamline the process.
Strict action against black marketing and hoarding
Highlighting concerns over possible market manipulation, the Minister called for stringent measures against black marketing and hoarding of fertilizers and seeds. He urged state governments to take firm action against violators exploiting the global situation.
Ensuring availability of seeds and packaging materials
The meeting also reviewed the availability of agro-chemicals and gases required for seed drying. Shri Chouhan directed officials to ensure uninterrupted supply of packaging materials, especially for milk and agricultural produce, through close coordination with the Ministry of Petroleum and other departments.
Special Cell for continuous monitoring
To strengthen oversight, a dedicated ‘Special Cell’ has been set up for round-the-clock monitoring of the agricultural sector. The cell will submit weekly reports to the Minister on the status of fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides.
In his concluding remarks, Shri Chouhan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding farmers’ interests and ensuring timely availability of all essential agricultural inputs.