Shivraj Chouhan Unveils Major Agricultural Reform Roadmap

Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the three-day Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research campus in Pusa, Delhi, outlining a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at achieving ‘Viksit Krishi – Atmanirbhar Bharat’. Addressing scientists, farmers and policymakers, he emphasised transparency, accountability and time-bound delivery across all major agricultural schemes.

The annual fair, held at the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute campus, brought together progressive farmers, researchers and institutions to showcase innovations and strengthen the link between laboratory research and field application.

Zero Tolerance for Delayed Payments

Chouhan issued a strong warning against delays in farmers’ payments. Any agency or State withholding farmers’ dues will be liable to pay 12 per cent interest on the pending amount. He stressed that the Centre would ensure timely release of its share and is exploring direct transfers to farmers’ accounts if States delay disbursals.

Highlighting implementation gaps, he noted instances where funds released for mechanisation did not reach all intended beneficiaries, underscoring the need for stronger monitoring systems.

Strengthening KVKs and Credit Access

Krishi Vigyan Kendras will be developed as district-level reform hubs to bridge research and extension. They will disseminate new crop varieties, integrated farming models and advanced practices to villages in coordination with State authorities.

On credit access, the Minister reiterated that Kisan Credit Card loans carry an effective 4 per cent interest rate. Banks were urged to eliminate delays and unnecessary paperwork to prevent farmers from relying on informal lenders.

MSP, Fertiliser Subsidy and Licensing Reforms

Chouhan proposed reducing the MSP procurement window from three months to one month to ensure prompt payments. He also suggested exploring direct transfer of the ₹2 lakh crore fertiliser subsidy to farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer, allowing them flexibility in purchase decisions.

The pesticide licensing system will be simplified through reduced procedural layers and fixed timelines to curb delays and eliminate substandard products.

Important Facts for Exams

• Minimum Support Price (MSP) ensures remunerative prices for farmers.
• Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans provide concessional agricultural credit.
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) enables subsidy payments directly to beneficiaries.
• Krishi Vigyan Kendras function as agricultural extension centres at district level.

Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan from April

The Minister announced that the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ will resume in April ahead of the kharif season. Teams of scientists will visit villages to provide guidance on pest control, export-quality crops and improved technologies. The Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela was described as a national platform to shape a modern, self-reliant agricultural sector, with plans to expand its scale in the coming years.