Shivraj Singh Chouhan unveils roadmap for developed agriculture at Pusa agri-science fair.
Photo Credit: The Suncity News
New Delhi, February 25, 2026: Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Wednesday unveiled a comprehensive roadmap of agricultural reforms aimed at transforming Indian agriculture, Self-Reliant India, while inaugurating the three-day Pusa Agri-Science fair at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan delivered a strong message of transparency, timeliness, and accountability, asserting that the era of withholding farmers’ money is over.
He stated that strict reforms will be enforced across MSP procurement, Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans, pesticide licensing, subsidy delivery, and the functioning of Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan reiterated that farmers are at the centre of policy:
The prestigious annual fair was inaugurated by Shivraj Singh Chouhan by planting a sapling at the campus.
The event was attended by Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of the Agriculture Department, M. L Jat, Director General of ICAR and Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and other dignitaries.
In a symbolic gesture underscoring the government’s farmers-first approach, Shivraj Singh Chouhan ensured that farmers were seated in the front row and personally escorted a disabled farmer to the stage.
Seven farmers were honoured with the IARI Agricultural Fellow Award during the event.
Addressing one of the most critical issues faced by farmers, the minister warned that any agency or state government delaying farmers’ payment will be liable to pay 12% interest.
He said that practices such as parking farmers’ money in government accounts to earn interest would no longer be tolerated.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan clarified that while the central government ensures the timely release of its share, mechanisms are being explored to transfer central funds directly to farmers’ accounts if states delay payments under any scheme.
Monitoring delivery of schemes:
Referring to subsidies and assistance under schemes related to farm mechanization, drip irrigation, sprinklers, poly houses and greenhouses, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the Centre is supporting states through more than 18 schemes, but funds alone are insufficient.
Citing an example where only 158 out of 700 listed farmers received machines in a district, he stressed the need for robust monitoring systems to ensure benefits reach genuine farmers.
Emphasizing the pivotal role of Agriculture Science Centres, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said these centres would be developed as strong district-level institutions, acting as a bridge between agricultural research and field-level extension.
He tasked centres with close coordination with states to disseminate new crop varieties, innovative farming practices, and successful models to every village, calling structural strengthening of centres a key reform priority.
Farter KCC loans, quick MSP procurement:
Shivraj Singh Chouhan noted that nearly 75% of small farmers are benefitting from KCC loans at an effective 4% interest rate, but stressed that delays and excessive paperwork are unacceptable.
He urged banks and financial institutions to ensure timely and hassle-free credit so farmers do not fall back on moneylenders.
On Minimum Support Price (MSP) procurement, Shivraj Singh Chouhan observed that the existing three-month timeline is impractical, as farmers lack storage capacity.
He proposed working with states to complete procurement within one month, ensuring farmers receive fair prices promptly.
EOM.
