Enhancing Agricultural Productivity: Insights from Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently addressed the Lok Sabha, emphasizing the government's initiatives to boost agricultural productivity. He highlighted significant growth in crop and milk production over the past decade and detailed various financial support schemes for farmers, including the PM-Kisan scheme and enhanced crop insurance. Chouhan also discussed the importance of subsidies on fertilizers and the government's commitment to ensuring farmers' incomes are doubled. His remarks reflect a comprehensive approach to modernizing agriculture and supporting the farming community in India.
| Jul 29, 2025, 16:52 IST
Government Initiatives to Boost Agriculture
On Tuesday, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted the government's commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity. During the question hour in the Lok Sabha, he emphasized the promotion of diverse agricultural practices, including the cultivation of fruits, flowers, vegetables, dairy, aquaculture, and livestock. Chouhan stated that efforts have been made to increase production, reduce costs, ensure better prices, compensate for losses, and promote diversified agriculture. The focus is not solely on single-crop farming but encompasses a variety of agricultural activities.
Significant Growth in Agricultural Production
The minister provided specific statistics regarding various crops and milk production, detailing the remarkable growth in agricultural output over the past decade. He noted that total food grain production rose from 240.42 million tons in 2013-14 to 353.96 million tons. Pulses production increased from 16.38 million tons to 25.24 million tons, while oilseed production grew from 27.51 million tons to 42.61 million tons. Additionally, milk production surged from 137.7 million tons to 249.30 million tons.
Financial Support for Farmers
Chouhan also mentioned key financial assistance programs for farmers, including the PM-Kisan scheme, increased funding for the Kisan Credit Card (KCC), the Prime Minister's Crop Insurance Scheme, and enhancements in the Minimum Support Price (MSP). He emphasized the importance of subsidies on urea and DAP to boost farmers' incomes. Under the PM-Kisan scheme, 10 crore farmers have benefited from subsidies totaling ₹2 lakh crore. He asserted that efforts are underway to double farmers' incomes through increased MSP, record procurement, and affordable loans via Kisan Credit Cards.
Improvements in Crop Insurance Schemes
Chouhan pointed out that during the Congress regime, the KCC funding increased from ₹7 lakh crore to ₹25 lakh crore under the BJP government. The Prime Minister's Crop Insurance Scheme has paid out ₹1.43 lakh crore in claims against a premium of ₹35,000 crore. He noted that the MSP now includes a 50% profit margin over production costs, a provision that was dismissed during Congress's tenure. The subsidies on urea and DAP have further enhanced farmers' earnings.
Revisions to the Crop Insurance Scheme
The BJP leader remarked that the previous crop insurance scheme was not farmer-friendly and has undergone numerous changes. Under the Prime Minister's Crop Insurance Scheme, if an insurance company fails to settle a farmer's claim within 21 days of the due date, it must pay interest at a rate of 12%. He mentioned that delays in state government contributions have occurred, with some governments failing to fulfill their commitments. However, he assured that the central government would ensure its share is contributed regardless of state participation.