Hyderabad: Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Emphasizes Farmer Income and Food Security at Southern States Agriculture Conference

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, addressed a regional agriculture conference organized for the southern states in Hyderabad. The conference focused on the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture in the region, including the impact of El Niño, crop diversification, and necessary measures for the upcoming Rabi season.

Shri Chouhan clarified that the government's guiding principle is 'Nation First' and stated that the Center does not view agricultural issues through the lens of which political party is in power in a particular state. He emphasized that the primary objective, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is to find solutions that improve the lives of farmers.

Discussing technological advancements, the Minister noted that while technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, and Robotics are changing the world, agriculture remains indispensable. He illustrated this by stating that while machines can make bread, they cannot grow wheat, asserting that farmers are not just 'annadata' (providers of food) but 'jivandata' (providers of life).

Shri Chouhan outlined three key objectives for Indian agriculture: ensuring food security for a population of over 140 crore so that India does not rely on the world for its needs; securing the livelihoods of farmers and increasing their income; and ensuring nutritional security to provide people with nutritious food.

Highlighting the specific strengths of South India, he pointed to the immense potential of horticultural crops such as spices, coffee, cashew, cocoa, and sandalwood. He noted that India's coconut exports increased from 4,349 crore rupees to 7,038 crore rupees in one year, representing a 62 percent growth. He called for strategies to rejuvenate old coconut plantations and implement new plantings.

Emphasizing the importance of regional conferences, he stated that since different states have distinct geographical and climatic conditions, a region-specific approach is necessary rather than a uniform plan. He urged state governments to review outdated acts and procedures so that rules become a means of service rather than a burden on the people.

Regarding the global market, he mentioned that Free Trade Agreements (FTA) signed under Prime Minister Modi's leadership have opened new opportunities for Indian agricultural products. He encouraged farmers to produce in accordance with international quality standards.

Additionally, Shri Chouhan announced that the first installment for the construction of 2 lakh houses in Telangana under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) has been handed over to the Chief Minister. He assured that the Central Government will continue to provide consistent support to Telangana across all sectors.