NewzVille Desk
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday inaugurated the three-day Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela organised at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research campus in Pusa, Delhi. He presented a comprehensive roadmap of major agricultural reforms aimed at steering Indian farming towards the vision of ‘Developed Agriculture (Viksit Krishi) – Self-Reliant India (Atmanirbhar Bharat)’.
He assured that the old practice of withholding farmers’ money would no longer be tolerated. From MSP procurement to Kisan Credit Card loans, pesticide licensing and the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), transparency, time-bound delivery and accountability would be ensured at every level.
The prestigious annual Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela was inaugurated by Chouhan with a ceremonial plantation. On the occasion, Union Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi, Director General of ICAR and Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education Dr. M. L. Jat, and Director of IARI Dr. C. H. Srinivas Rao were also present, along with a large number of scientists, progressive farmers and representatives of various institutions.
By seating farmers in the front row on the dais and personally wheeling a differently-abled farmer forward in his wheelchair to interact with him, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan conveyed the message that farmers remain the core of policy-making. During the programme, seven farmers were honoured with the IARI Krishi Adhyeta Award, further reinforcing the spirit of ‘Farmers First’.
Highlighting the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Chouhan said that KVKs would be developed as strong district-level units acting as a bridge between research and extension. He entrusted them with the responsibility of taking new varieties, innovative farming practices and successful models to villages through better coordination with states. Strengthening the institutional structure of KVKs was described as a key reform to ensure that scientific advances translate into tangible benefits for farmers.
Chouhan further said that around 75 per cent of small farmers currently benefit from Kisan Credit Card loans, with an effective interest rate of 4 per cent, ensuring access to affordable credit. However, delays in disbursal are unacceptable.
He urged banks and financial institutions to ensure that KCC-linked loans are released on time and without unnecessary paperwork, so that farmers do not have to depend on moneylenders.
