OCT 18: Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, held a ‘Gram Chaupal’ in Dumri Khurd village of Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, on Saturday, interacting with a large number of farmers, Self Help Group (SHG) members, and Panchayat representatives.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister highlighted the government’s continuous efforts to boost agricultural productivity, provide better-quality seeds, and reduce input costs for farmers. He assured that compensation for crop losses would be provided under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, reaffirming the government’s commitment to farmer welfare.
Shri Chouhan also discussed initiatives under the Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission, aimed at increasing lentil and gram production. He informed that the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Rabi crops such as wheat, gram, lentil, and mustard has been increased this year, ensuring better income support for cultivators.
The Union Minister emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, GST rates on agricultural machinery have been reduced from 12% and 18% to just 5%, delivering direct financial benefits to farmers across the country.
Encouraging diversification, Shri Chouhan urged farmers to adopt animal husbandry, fisheries, beekeeping, and horticulture alongside traditional agriculture to enhance income stability. He also highlighted government schemes for animal vaccination and rural livelihood improvement.
Concluding the Gram Chaupal, the Minister called for collective participation in rural transformation, stating, “Wide changes are possible when people and ministers work together.”