Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan informed the Lok Sabha that the central government is taking comprehensive steps to increase farmers’ income and ensure their financial security.
He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government is focused on making agriculture more profitable and risk-free.
Push for Cash Crops Over Tobacco
The minister stated that the government is encouraging farmers to shift from tobacco cultivation to more profitable and sustainable alternatives.
Farmers in tobacco-growing regions are being promoted to adopt crops such as:
- Hybrid maize
- Chilli
- Sweet potato
- Cotton
- Potato
- Chia
- Soybean
- Sorghum
- Groundnut
This shift aims to enhance farmers’ income while reducing dependence on harmful crops.
Integrated Farming to Ensure Stable Income
Highlighting the challenges faced by small and marginal farmers, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that reliance on a single crop increases risk.
To address this, the government is promoting integrated farming models, which combine:
- Crop cultivation
- Horticulture
- Animal husbandry
- Fisheries
- Beekeeping
- Agroforestry
These models are designed to ensure year-round stable income for farmers.
Record Procurement at MSP
The minister said that the government has increased the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for major crops including wheat, paddy, pulses, and oilseeds.
He claimed that record procurement is taking place in the current season, particularly for pulses such as:
- Tur (pigeon pea)
- Masur (lentil)
- Urad
He added that the government has ensured procurement of the entire produce from registered farmers for key pulses.
Major Reforms in Crop Insurance Scheme
Significant changes have been made to the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) to improve farmer protection.
Key reforms include:
- Compensation even for individual crop loss
- Mandatory settlement of claims within 21 days after yield data is available
- 12% interest penalty on delays by insurance companies or state governments
These steps aim to make crop insurance more transparent and farmer-friendly.
Strict Action Against Irregularities
The minister emphasized that under the government’s zero-tolerance approach to corruption, any irregularities in schemes will not be tolerated.
Digital platforms such as the Krishi Rakshak Portal are being used to monitor complaints and ensure strict action against offenders.
Direct Benefit Transfer Strengthened
Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted that under various schemes, including crop insurance, funds are being transferred directly to farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
This ensures transparency and timely financial support to farmers.
Strengthening Farmers’ Welfare
The government’s multi-pronged approach—including crop diversification, integrated farming, MSP expansion, and insurance reforms—aims to improve farmers’ livelihoods and make agriculture more resilient and sustainable.
