Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Chouhan Reviews Crop Loss, Orders Fast Insurance Relief & Farmer Support Measures

New Delhi, March 20: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday chaired an extensive review of the country’s farm sector, focusing on recent weather-related crop losses, the pace of insurance claim settlements, and steps to ensure farmers receive timely financial support.

The meeting, held at Krishi Bhavan, brought together senior officials to assess the impact of unseasonal rainfall, hailstorms and other adverse weather events reported from multiple states. The minister stressed that government support must reach affected farmers without delay and directed authorities to ensure swift and scientific evaluation of damage.

Officials were instructed to conduct crop-cutting experiments promptly so that the extent of damage can be measured accurately. The minister highlighted the need for better coordination between the Centre and state governments to avoid delays in compensation and insurance processing.

He also called for stronger field-level communication so that farmers are informed about available relief measures and insurance procedures. The goal, he said, is to ensure that no farmer is left waiting due to administrative bottlenecks.

The meeting also examined weather forecasts shared by the India Meteorological Department, which has indicated the likelihood of further western disturbances in the coming days. In light of this, agricultural advisories and contingency plans are being prepared to minimise potential crop damage.

Officials were asked to ensure that state agriculture departments and local agencies remain alert and provide real-time guidance to farmers regarding crop protection and risk management.

A major part of the discussion centred on accelerating the country’s efforts to reduce dependence on imported pulses. The minister reviewed progress under the self-reliance initiative in pulses and stressed the importance of expanding cultivation and ensuring effective procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP).

Procurement operations will be supported by agencies such as NAFED and NCCF, ensuring that farmers can sell their produce at government-declared prices without distress sales.

While acknowledging expectations of a strong rabi harvest, the minister underlined that future agricultural planning must prioritise quality alongside higher output. He encouraged the promotion of improved crop varieties, bio-fortified seeds, and better agronomic practices so that farmers can command higher market prices.

Preparations are also underway for the upcoming Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, a nationwide outreach programme aimed at providing farmers with scientific and region-specific advice before the next sowing season. Unlike earlier years, consultations will now be conducted through regional conferences to better address local challenges and crop patterns.

These conferences will involve scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, agricultural experts, farmer groups, and industry stakeholders to develop crop-specific and state-specific action plans.

The ministry is working on comprehensive roadmaps covering the entire agricultural value chain, from seed selection and cultivation practices to procurement, processing, and marketing. The strategy aims to stabilise farmer incomes, strengthen food security, and reduce import dependence in key commodities.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the minister said that policies are being aligned to ensure that farmers receive support not only during production but also during periods of loss, market fluctuations, and climatic uncertainty.