Union Budget 2025 / The focus in this budget will be on agriculture, Shivraj Singh held a meeting

Union Budget 2025: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday reviewed various schemes through a virtual meeting with state agriculture ministers. The main objective of this meeting was to strengthen the schemes related to the agriculture sector for the upcoming Union Budget and analyze their progress. He urged the state ministers to share their experience and suggestions on the schemes of the central government.

The meeting expressed satisfaction over the possible high growth rate of 3.5 to 4 percent in agriculture and allied sector for the financial year 2024-25. Chouhan appealed to the state governments to work fast to maintain this growth rate. He welcomed the recent report of the State Bank of India (SBI), which shows that the rural poverty rate has come down from 7.2 percent in FY 2023 to below five percent in FY 2024. This figure indicates a positive change in India's agriculture sector.

Six-point strategy of the Central Government

The Agriculture Minister said that the Central Government is working on a six-point strategy to strengthen the agriculture sector. The role of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is important in this strategy, which focuses on increasing production per hectare through research and releasing new improved seed varieties.

The key points of the government's strategy are as follows:

Reduction in production cost: Measures to reduce production cost are being suggested to farmers.

Expansion of micro irrigation: Technologies like drip and sprinkler are being encouraged to increase crop productivity.

Agricultural mechanization: Availability of modern agricultural equipment is being ensured to small and medium farmers.

Use of technology: Emphasis is being laid on applying digital agricultural techniques and artificial intelligence in the agricultural sector.

New agricultural practices: Crop diversification is being encouraged along with promoting organic and natural farming.

New seed varieties: Advanced and climate-resistant seed varieties are being developed to reduce the effects of climate change.

Highlight on progress made in major schemes

During the meeting, Shivraj Singh Chouhan discussed the major schemes of the Center. He reviewed the progress of schemes like PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, DAP fertilizer subsidy, Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PMAASA). These schemes aim to increase the income of farmers and provide them financial security.

Chouhan informed that the successful implementation of these schemes has reduced the poverty rate in rural areas. Under the PM-Kisan scheme, financial assistance has been provided to crores of farmers, which has strengthened their economic condition. The crop insurance scheme has given protection to farmers from natural disasters.

Continuous progress in agriculture sector

The Agriculture Minister said that the Indian agriculture sector is making continuous progress. He said, "This pace of development in the agriculture sector is encouraging. We have to work together and ensure that there is effective implementation of budget allocation and policies." Chouhan called upon the state governments to make more efforts to accelerate development in the agriculture sector.

He further said that we should make every effort to create new opportunities for farmers and increase their income. He said that efforts will be made to include the suggestions of the states in the Union Budget, so that the problems of the farmers can be resolved.

Participation of senior officials in the meeting

Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi and other senior officials of the ministry also participated in this virtual meeting. During the meeting, agriculture ministers of various states discussed the status of schemes implemented in their respective states and future challenges.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Shivraj Singh Chouhan assured everyone that the central government is committed to making the agriculture sector self-reliant. He said that all possible assistance will be provided to the farmers through budget allocation and policy changes.