If food providers happy, nation will prosper: Chouhan

United News of India

4 days ago

Motihari, June 2 (UNI) Reiterating the goal to ensure that all 1.45 billion citizens of India receive sufficient food, the Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that if the food providers were happy, the nation would prosper.
While interacting with the farmers of Bihar at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Piprakothi, East Champaran, on Monday, on the Fifth Day of 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan', Chouhan outlined the goal set by Prime Minister Modi to ensure that all 1.45 billion citizens of India receive sufficient food. He said that if the food providers were happy, the nation would certainly prosper.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister described Piprakothi in East Champaran as a sacred land from where Mahatma Gandhi delivered his profound message of Satyagraha and non-violence to the world. He expressed deep reverence for the region and said that several initiatives, including the establishment of a Krishi Vigyan Kendra, have contributed to agricultural advancement here. He recalled how this land became a battleground for justice when the British oppressed local farmers and how Gandhiji's movement from here laid the foundation for India's freedom struggle.
Considering himself as the foremost servant of farmers, Chouhan said that the vision of a developed India can only be realized through developed agriculture and prosperous farmers, and collective effort is essential in this mission.
Chouhan specifically interacted with litchi growers and assured that concrete research and efforts will be made to ensure that litchi does not perish within 48 hours of harvest. He said that the government would take concrete steps to address the issue and directed ICAR scientists to research to develop techniques that extend the shelf life of litchis so that farmers receive fair prices. The litchi growers had raised their concerns about the fruit perishing within 48 hours, resulting in losses. He said that to address the issue, the number of cold storage facilities would be increased to support this effort.
Speaking about increased kaise production, Chouhan highlighted that due to the effective policies, maize cultivation in Bihar has surged. With the introduction of ethanol production, the demand and prices for maize have increased. Where maize once sold for Rs1200–Rs1500 per quintal, prices have now gone up significantly. Yields have also improved—from 23–24 quintals per hectare earlier to 50–60 quintals per hectare now.
During his visit, Chouhan instructed scientists to conduct research and develop improved seed varieties for both Basmati and other rice types to further enhance yields. Despite owning small plots of land, Bihar's farmers were producing gold from the soil. He shared that two new rice varieties have recently been developed through research that require 20 percent less water and a 30 percent increase in yield.
Reaffirming the government's commitment to boosting crop production in Bihar Chouhan stressed the need for not only increasing grain output but also focusing on fruits, vegetables, and flowers to ensure that all 1.45 billion citizens have access to sufficient food.
The Minister said that the government was also planning to explore the export potential of Bihar's flattened rice (chiwra).
Concerned over counterfeit pesticides, he asserted that strict action will be taken against companies producing fake agrochemicals. No one will be spared, he assured, saying that 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan' was an initiative to create miracles in agriculture and to bridge the gap between research labs and agricultural fields. Under the campaign, 16,000 scientists were stepping out of their labs to engage directly with farmers in villages.l, he informed.
Condemning the terrorist attack of Pahalagam, Chouhan said that India responded strongly by destroying terrorist camps in just 25 minutes, forcing Pakistan to retreat within three days. He added that the Indus Waters Treaty, which had previously allocated 80 percent of the river water to Pakistan, has been annulled, and India has declared firmly that 'blood and water cannot flow together.' Indian water is for Indian farmers.
Speaking about 'One Nation–One Agriculture–One Team', Chouhan assured that every possible effort will be made for the prosperity of farmers.
UNI RS BD