Latest news with #ShivrajChouhan
Hindustan Times
01-06-2025
- Science
- Hindustan Times
2,170 expert agri teams in touch with farmers at 8k locations across the country: Shivraj Chouhan
Union agriculture minister Shivraj Chouhan on Saturday said that under Viksit Bharat Kisan Sankalp Abhiyan in the country, 16,000 agricultural scientists are involved to sensitise farmers, of which 2,170 teams have established communication with farmers at 8,000 locations so far. While addressing a gathering of farmers, livestock farmers and people associated with fisheries at Arya PG College in Panipat, Chouhan said that if farming is done properly, farmers can get great benefits from it. The Union minister praised the Bhavantar Yojana of the Haryana government and congratulated chief minister Nayab Singh Saini for this. 'To increase agricultural production, scientists have developed two varieties of paddy which will reduce water cost by 20% and increase production by 30%. 55 teams in Haryana are continuously communicating with farmers and making them aware under the campaign that will continue till 12 June. Under this, farmers can ask questions to the team of scientists and officials who have reached the village,' he added. Haryana agriculture minister Shyam Singh Rana, education minister Mahipal Dhanda, officials from ICAR, union agriculture and state agriculture department were present. Earlier, Chouhan also visited the farm of progressive farmer Ram Pratap of village Siwah in the district and learned the intricacies of vegetable farming being done in a modern way. The Union minister also interacted with the farmers and inquired about how they are increasing their production in farming. The farmer also offered the minister a taste of watermelons from Taiwan and Thailand. The minister, while tasting three kinds of colourful watermelons, said that this is the result of the hard work of the farmer. He inquired about the production of watermelon and other vegetable varieties and asked about methods to cultivate them. The farmer said that he cultivates 26 types of vegetables and is a landowner of 7 acres earning an income of ₹21 lakh in six months from various crops.
NDTV
27-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Shivraj Chouhan's Padyatra Blends Farmers, Family, And Political Future
In 1991, a young Shivraj Singh Chouhan walked barefoot through the eight assembly segments of Vidisha, earning the nickname "Paav-Paav Wale Bhaiya." Today, 34 years later, the same Shivraj Chouhan - now the Union Agriculture Minister and a six-time MP - is once again on foot, retracing his old political path through the same constituency. But this time, the mission is bigger: Viksit Bharat Sankalp Padyatra. The yatra is aimed at communicating with farmers, empowering women, and perhaps also securing his place in the evolving landscape of BJP politics. A Familiar Route, A New Role The 66-year-old former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister is covering 20-25 km on foot every day, reaching every part of his parliamentary constituency. The yatra, to be held 2-3 days a week, combines political outreach with policy implementation. This time, the focus is on the transformation from Lakhpati Didi to Crorepati Didi - a nod to women's economic empowerment under government schemes. "When this spirit awakens in every village - to build a Viksit Bharat through cleanliness, water conservation, employment and civic responsibility - that's when true change will come. You can see the flood of people gathered here. The purpose is to meet people, know their condition and understand the impact of Central schemes," said Shivraj Singh Chouhan during a stop on his padyatra. Scientists In the Fields, Not Just Speeches Unlike traditional political yatras, this one brings agricultural scientists directly into fields and village chaupals. As part of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, starting 29 May, 2,170 teams of 3-4 scientists each will fan out across more than 700 districts. They will study agroclimatic conditions, soil nutrition, climate change effects, and pest patterns, offering real-time, tailored advice to over 1.5 crore farmers. From seeds to fertilizers, the aim is clear - connecting lab to land. "Even today scientists and farmers are on the road. This is part of a large-scale effort to translate research into field practice - newer seeds, climate-resilient farming, cost-effective production. All of this is going to boost Kharif and Rabi output," said the Agriculture Minister. More Than a Yatra: A Family Moment, A Political Statement This padyatra isn't just about public engagement - it's a carefully choreographed message. Shivraj is joined by his wife Sadhana, son Kartikeya, and daughter-in-law Amanat. The presence of Kartikeya, in particular, has raised eyebrows. From campaigning in Budhni to social media activism during elections, Kartikeya has been steadily stepping into the public world. Many believe this padyatra could be laying the groundwork for a generational handover in Madhya Pradesh politics. "Everyone here is family. My brother made this garland by hand. There's no one else, just family," said Shivraj Chouhan, brushing off speculation but hinting at continuity. Two Models, One State On the same day as Shivraj Chouhan's padyatra in Vidisha, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav hosted an Agriculture-Industry Conclave in Narsinghpur - showcasing a more corporatised vision of farming. While the Union Agriculture Minister interacts with farmers in fields, Mohan Yadav is positioning agriculture as an industry-ready sector through partnerships and investment. "Agriculture-based industries, modern equipment, organic farming, horticulture, dairy, fisheries - more than 11 ministries are working together to transform rural Madhya Pradesh," said the Chief Minister. No Show From Party Brass Conspicuously absent during the padyatra's launch were BJP state president VD Sharma and organisational general secretary Hitanand Sharma. Political watchers are divided - is this a mere scheduling issue or indicative of distance between Shivraj Chouhan and the current state leadership? "This is Shivraj's personal yatra, not the organisation's. MPs and MLAs often travel through their constituencies without the party machinery in tow. It doesn't always mean there's friction," said senior analyst Girija Shankar. Congress Targets Shivraj In His Own Backyard Sensing an opportunity, the Congress has launched a Gaon Gaon Sangathan Abhiyan in Shivraj Chouhan's stronghold of Vidisha. State Congress Chief Jeetu Patwari is leading the charge, accusing the former chief minister of ignoring farmers' distress. "Farmers are in pain - no payment for crops, moong not procured, onions being dumped at Rs 1 per kg. And he's doing padyatra to mislead people. I've been seeking time to meet him for 37 weeks. I'll continue for 100 weeks if needed," said Mr Patwari. From Roads Of Vidisha To The Corridors Of Delhi In 1991, Shivraj, who became an MP for the first time, made his mark by walking on these very roads. 34 years later, the same roads once again, but now, in the new role of the country's Agriculture Minister. This journey is away from politics but no one can ignore Shivraj Chouhan and BJP's next strategy. In such a situation, when NDTV asked him if this journey is for the next national president of BJP - because his name is also among the contenders - Shivraj Chouhan said: "Whatever work the party has given me, I am only doing that, I will do only that. I am a party worker. Whatever work the party has given me for the farmers, I am trying to do it better under the leadership of the Prime Minister. This is my religion, my life, my main mantra. Whatever work the party assigns me, will do that only. Farming is in my mind, farmers are in my every breath." Not Just A Walk - A Signal? Experts believe Mr Chouhan's padyatra is more than just a walk - it's a political signal. While he strengthens ground connect in Sehore and Vidisha, speculation is rife about his next possible role within the party's top brass. In politics, as in padyatras, every step counts - and Shivraj Singh Chouhan seems to know exactly where he's walking.
The Hindu
20-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Telangana Agri commission chief slams Centre's gene-edited rice move, demands moratorium
Telangana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Commission Chairman M. Kodanda Reddy has flayed the Centre for its approval and release of gene-edited rice varieties in the country. He demanded a moratorium on the release and commercial cultivation of gene-edited rice, pending independent scientific review and full public consultations with State governments, scientists, farmers and consumers. In a letter to Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Shivraj Chouhan on Tuesday, Mr. Reddy has expressed concerns over the decision, citing inadequate transparency and lack of comprehensive public consultation. He pointed out that States were not consulted, and previously, the Andhra Pradesh government had clearly expressed its rejection of genetically modified crops due to concerns over biosafety, environmental risk and the livelihoods of lakhs of farmers. 'As one of India's largest rice-producing states, Telangana has much to lose from ecological or market disruption caused by such technologies,' he said, adding that consumers across the country had not been consulted on the implications of gene-edited foods entering the market, and there are currently no mandatory labelling guidelines for gene-edited products, denying consumers their right to informed choice. He claimed that the introduction of gene-edited rice may contaminate native seed varieties, affecting export potential, especially to countries with strict GM-free import standards. 'Farmers may eventually be forced into dependency on proprietary seed technologies, threatening their right to save and exchange seeds under the PPV&FR Act,' he said, referring to the sad experience of cotton farmers with Bt cotton and illegal Ht Bt cotton as a grim reminder of the risks. Stating that the decision will impact India's food sovereignty and help the corporate interests, the former MLA urged the Union Minister to respect Telangana's stance, halt further approvals, and uphold the rights of farmers and consumers alike.
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Govt sets record foodgrain target of 354 MT on 'good monsoon' forecast
Representative image NEW DELHI: Banking on the forecast of a good monsoon rainfall in most parts of the country this year, govt on Thursday set a target of record foodgrain output of 354 million tonne (MT) for the 2025-26 crop year (July-June), which is nearly 4% higher than the target of 2024-25 and over 6.5% more than the actual production of 2023-24. The foodgrains basket comprises of paddy, wheat, coarse cereals and pulses. Operation Sindoor Operation Sindoor: Several airports in India closed - check full list Did Pak shoot down Indian jets? What MEA said India foils Pakistan's attack on Jammu airport: What we know so far The target, set after taking inputs from all states, was discussed during a national conference on Kharif campaign where policy makers and farm scientists brainstormed over preparedness and availability of adequate inputs (quality seeds, fertilisers, etc.) ahead of the sowing season. IMD had last month predicted 'above normal' rainfall for most parts of the country, including the 'monsoon core zone', where farmers depend on seasonal rainfall. Good monsoon rains (June-Sept) invariably help farmers in having bumper output. Addressing the conference, agriculture minister Shivraj Chouhan announced a pan-India 15-day campaign (May 29-June 12) to create awareness among 1-1.5 crore farmers, across 700 districts, about climate-resilient seed varieties, availability of fertilisers, monsoon forecast and benefits of govt programmes. "Farm scientists and officials will be among farmers during the campaign. There are 16,000 farm scientists in India and there is a need that farmers and scientists should work together," said Chouhan. He said that the Centre will consider making amendments in the Seeds Act, 1966 to curb sales of spurious seeds, ensure seeds traceability and protect farmers interest. Under pan-India awareness campaign, Centre in association with states will form 2,000 teams comprising farm scientists and progressive farmers.
