Shivraj Singh Chouhan outlines eastern India agri roadmap, announces ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ from June 1–15

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan presented an extensive plan for making agriculture strong in Eastern India, giving emphasis on crop diversification, soil improvement, and higher incomes for farmers at the press conference held at the Eastern Regional Kharif Agriculture Zonal Conference in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

The conference brought together eastern states, including Odisha, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, to deliberate on region-specific agricultural challenges and opportunities. Chouhan said the zonal approach is proving more effective than a single national consultation, enabling targeted planning based on agro-climatic conditions and state-level needs.

Focus on diversification and self-reliance

Highlighting India’s strong position in paddy and wheat production, the Minister noted that self-reliance in pulses and oilseeds remains a priority. He emphasised crop diversification not only for food security but also for maintaining soil health, pointing out that pulses help improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation.

He said special attention will be given to rice fallow areas in Eastern India, which will be used for expanding the cultivation of pulses such as urad, masoor, and tur. Support will include quality seeds, demonstration plots, farmer incentives, and procurement under the PM-AASHA scheme.

Integrated farming and income growth

Chouhan stressed the importance of integrated farming systems combining crops with horticulture, livestock, fisheries, beekeeping, and agro-forestry to create multiple income sources for small and marginal farmers. He said these models have strong potential to significantly boost rural incomes in Eastern India.

Farmer ID and credit access reforms

Calling Farmer ID a transformative initiative, he said it will digitally integrate farmers’ land, crop, and personal details to improve transparency in agricultural schemes, credit delivery, and fertiliser distribution. The system is expected to reduce leakages and ensure targeted benefits.

He also flagged gaps in agricultural credit flow in several regions and said state-specific models will be developed to improve financing access for farmers.

‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ and regulatory reforms

The Minister announced a nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ from June 1 to June 15, focusing on balanced fertiliser use, soil health awareness, and farmer education. He warned against excessive fertiliser use, stating it harms soil quality, increases costs, and affects long-term productivity.

He also announced plans for stricter regulations, including a new Pesticide Act and Seed Act, to curb fake pesticides and substandard seeds, ensuring quality inputs for farmers.

Horticulture, infrastructure, and technology push

Chouhan highlighted the horticulture potential of Eastern India, particularly mango and other fruit crops, and stressed the need for stronger cold storage and cold chain infrastructure. He said ongoing schemes such as MIDH, the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, and PM Kisan Sampada Yojana are being leveraged to expand post-harvest infrastructure.

He also emphasised the role of agricultural scientists, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and agricultural universities in transferring modern technology and research to farmers.

Government’s broader vision

Reaffirming the government’s commitment under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chouhan said the core objectives include food security, nutritional improvement, and enhancing farmers’ livelihoods through increased production, reduced costs, and better price realisation.

He concluded that coordinated efforts between the Centre and states will be key to building a more resilient, diversified, and prosperous agricultural sector in Eastern India.