Union Minister Launches Pusa Agricultural Science Fair with Focus on Farmer Welfare
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the Pusa Agricultural Science Fair, emphasizing a reform agenda aimed at enhancing Indian agriculture. He addressed issues like payment delays to farmers, warning agencies of penalties for non-compliance. The event also recognized outstanding farmers and highlighted the importance of ensuring that agricultural benefits reach the intended recipients. With over 18 central schemes in place, the minister stressed the need for effective monitoring to prevent misallocation of resources. This fair marks a significant step towards a self-reliant agricultural sector in India.
Feb 25, 2026, 17:13 IST
Inauguration of the Pusa Agricultural Science Fair
On Wednesday, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, inaugurated a three-day Pusa Agricultural Science Fair at the ICAR-IARI campus in the national capital. He outlined an extensive reform agenda aimed at steering Indian agriculture towards a "developed, self-reliant India." According to an official press release, the minister emphasized that delays in payments to farmers, procedural hurdles, and a weak monitoring system will no longer be tolerated.
Event Highlights and Farmer Recognition
The annual fair at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) commenced with a formal tree planting initiative. The release mentioned the presence of Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi, ICAR Director General M.L. Jat, and IARI Director C.H. Srinivasa Rao, along with scientists, progressive farmers, and institutional representatives. Prioritizing farmers in policy-making, Chouhan shared the stage with farmers and personally assisted a differently-abled farmer, reinforcing the ministry's farmer-centric approach. During the event, seven farmers were honored with the IARI Agricultural Scholar Award.
Minister's Warning on Payment Delays
Regarding outstanding payments, the minister warned that any agency or state government delaying payments to farmers would incur a 12% interest on the withheld amount. He stressed that in cases of delays at the state level, the central government would seek measures to directly transfer its share to farmers' bank accounts. He stated that profiting from delays by withholding farmers' funds would not be tolerated.
Focus on Agricultural Mechanization and Subsidies
Chouhan discussed various schemes related to agricultural mechanization and subsidies, noting that over 18 central schemes are being implemented through states. However, he highlighted the need for stringent monitoring to ensure that benefits reach actual farmers. He cited instances where allocated funds did not result in the delivery of equipment to listed beneficiaries.