Delhi:
Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, met farmers at Pusa Campus today who attended the Independence Day celebrations in Delhi as Special Guests.
Administering a pledge to adopt the Swadeshi movement, Shri Chouhan, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call, urged farmers and citizens to buy locally made products. “If we buy Swadeshi goods, we create jobs for millions,” he said, adding that purchasing from women’s Self-Help Groups and local artisans—such as earthen lamps from potters during Diwali—brings prosperity to both buyers and sellers.
Paying tribute to freedom fighters, he reminded that India’s independence came through immense sacrifice. “With the Gita in one hand, chanting Bharat Mata Ki Jai, our revolutionaries embraced martyrdom,” he said.
Referring to “Operation Sindoor”, mentioned by the Prime Minister, Shri Chouhan stated that India does not provoke, but will respond firmly when provoked, as seen in avenging the killing of 26 innocents. He credited the peace in the nation to the tireless service of soldiers guarding the borders.
On trade agreements, the Minister stressed that no deal would ever harm farmers. While agreements like the one with the UK allow duty-free export of Indian agricultural products, he warned against any pact that might permit cheap imports of crops like maize, soybeans, or wheat. “Our farmers work on small plots; cheap foreign produce could destroy their livelihoods,” he said, praising PM Modi for prioritising farmer welfare and national interest.
Highlighting accountability, Shri Chouhan shared an incident where a herbicide damaged farmers’ crops, leading to FIRs against the companies involved. He emphasised that government efforts must be visible in people’s lives, not just on paper.
For the first time, agricultural scientists have been visiting villages to work directly with farmers—“taking the lab to the land.” They will repeat this initiative from October 3 to 18, alongside a two-day conference aimed at improving Rabi crop yields. “Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and farmers are its soul. Serving them is like worshipping God,” he declared.
The meeting was also attended by Ministers of State for Agriculture Shri Ramnath Thakur and Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Agriculture Secretary Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, ICAR DG Dr. M.L. Jat, senior officials, and Joint Secretary Smt. Perin Devi, who delivered the vote of thanks.