Shivraj Singh Chouhan Holds Key Meetings with Assam, Rajasthan Ministers

In a significant display of cooperative federalism, Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan held separate meetings today with Assam’s Minister for Agriculture Shri Atul Bora and Rajasthan’s Minister Dr. Kirori Lal Meena at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi, to deliberate on critical issues affecting the agricultural landscape and rural economy in both states.

The discussions centered around enhancing agricultural productivity, ensuring farmers’ welfare, responding effectively to natural calamities, and intensifying action against fraudulent agri-inputs.

Support for Flood and Drought-Affected Farmers in Assam

During the meeting with Shri Atul Bora, Shri Chouhan expressed deep concern over the dual calamities that Assam is currently facing—floods in certain districts and drought in others. Acknowledging the hardship of affected farmers, he announced his intention to personally visit the flood-hit regions of Assam to assess the ground reality and ensure swift central support.

“We will stand shoulder to shoulder with the farmers of Assam during this adversity,” said Shri Chouhan. “Both state and central governments will coordinate efforts to provide immediate and long-term relief.”

He also addressed a key issue raised by Shri Bora regarding the non-notification of crop varieties adapted to Assam’s diverse agro-climatic conditions. Responding promptly, the Union Minister directed the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to notify appropriate varieties of rajma, masoor (lentil), arhar (pigeon pea), sunflower, fodder maize, garlic, and onion for the region.

Relief Under PMFBY and Extension of Organic Mission

To expand access to government support schemes, Shri Chouhan announced a relaxation of the Digital Farmer Registry requirement under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) for farmers in Assam. This is expected to bring immediate relief to many small and marginal farmers who otherwise might have missed out on crop insurance benefits.

Additionally, the Minister approved a one-year extension for the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCD-NER) in Assam, reinforcing the government’s long-term commitment to sustainable agriculture and organic farming in the Northeast.

The meeting was attended by Union Agriculture Secretary Shri Devesh Chaturvedi and senior officials from both the Ministry and the Assam Agriculture Department, reflecting a strong spirit of inter-agency collaboration.

Zero Tolerance Towards Counterfeit Inputs in Rajasthan

In his meeting with Rajasthan’s Agriculture Minister Dr. Kirori Lal Meena, Shri Chouhan was briefed on the state’s crackdown on counterfeit seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides—a menace that undermines crop productivity and farmer trust.

Terming the issue “extremely serious,” Shri Chouhan assured that the central government is working on stronger legislation to tackle this growing threat. He emphasized that no wrongdoer will be spared and that tougher legal measures are already under process.

“I have written to all state Chief Ministers urging them to take stern action against the perpetrators,” he said. “Fraud against farmers is unacceptable, and the government will ensure strict penalties against those who engage in such malpractices.”

This move signals the Centre’s intent to take coordinated and robust action nationwide, with Rajasthan playing a key role in setting enforcement benchmarks.

Reinforcing the Centre-State Synergy for Agricultural Growth

Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan reiterated that the central government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is fully committed to the holistic development of farmers and rural communities in all states. He emphasized the importance of consultative governance, particularly in addressing region-specific challenges and aligning state actions with central schemes.

Today’s meetings underline the Centre’s approach of responsive and decentralized agricultural policymaking. By taking swift action on local concerns—from natural disaster relief to crop variety suitability and market regulations—the Ministry is enhancing trust and efficiency in agri-governance.

As India pushes forward with its vision of Doubling Farmers’ Income and Atmanirbhar Krishi, the close coordination between Union and state governments continues to serve as a cornerstone for policy effectiveness and rural prosperity.