Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers Welfare, and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, chaired a review meeting on Monday with senior officials from the Agriculture Ministry to address key issues concerning agriculture, according to a press release issued by Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
The discussion focused on farm produce, marketing strategies for agricultural products, import-export dynamics, and weather conditions affecting crops.
During the meeting, Chouhan emphasised the need for regular communication with state governments, stating that he would personally hold weekly meetings to address pressing agricultural matters.
He also stressed the importance of officials from the Agriculture Ministry engaging consistently with their state counterparts to tackle ground-level challenges effectively.
Key topics discussed in the meeting included securing fair prices for farm produce, addressing farmer distress, and enhancing the marketing and sales channels for agricultural products.
The minister also highlighted the need for a detailed review of sowing patterns, the current weather conditions, and the potential impact on future yields.
A follow-up review meeting with state officials is scheduled for Tuesday to discuss the prevailing rates of lentils, including Arhar, Chana, and Masoor, and to determine procurement prices for both the Kharif 2024 and Rabi 2024 crops.
Additionally, the Trade Division of the ministry has been tasked with compiling a weekly comparative analysis on the need for lentil and oil seed imports, considering the country’s production and consumption trends.
The analysis will include key crops like Chana, Arhar, and Masoor, assessing the cost-benefit balance for both farmers and consumers. This data will inform potential government interventions by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DAFW) to support the agricultural sector.
Chouhan reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing agricultural challenges and ensuring farmers receive the necessary support to navigate the evolving landscape of India’s agricultural sector.
