THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, MARCH 17, 2026

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday said that the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accorded the highest priority to farmers’ income and security through a series of measures, including promoting profitable alternative crops in place of harmful crops like tobacco, ensuring historic procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP), introducing revolutionary reforms in the crop insurance scheme, and establishing a strict monitoring mechanism.

Replying to various questions raised by Members of Parliament in the Lok Sabha, Chouhan said that the Union government has not only appealed to farmers to move away from tobacco cultivation but has also identified strong and profitable alternatives in regions where tobacco is grown. These alternatives include hybrid maize, chilli, sweet potato, cotton, potato, chia, feed beans, cowpea, ragi, red gram, sugarcane, soybean, sorghum and groundnut, so that farmers’ cash income remains secure.

Highlighting the challenges faced by small and marginal farmers, the minister said that dependence on a single crop is inherently risky. To address this, the government has developed several integrated farming models and initiated demonstrations across states. These models combine activities such as cultivation of cereals like wheat and paddy, along with vegetables, fruits, animal husbandry, fisheries, beekeeping, goat rearing and agro-forestry, enabling farmers to generate stable and higher income throughout the year.

Chouhan further stated that to ensure remunerative prices, the MSP of major crops including wheat, paddy, pulses and oilseeds has been increased, with historic procurement currently underway. He emphasised that the government has made special arrangements for pulses such as tur, masoor and urad, allowing registered farmers to sell any quantity, with a commitment to procure the entire produce — providing significant support to pulse growers.

The Union Agriculture Minister also pointed out major reforms under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, noting that delays in compensation have been addressed through new rules. Insurance companies are now mandated to compensate even if crop loss affects a single farmer. He added that if claims are not settled within 21 days of yield data availability, both insurers and state governments will be liable to pay the amount along with 12 per cent interest, ensuring timely financial relief.

Reinforcing the government’s commitment to transparency, Chouhan said that any irregularities in crop insurance or welfare schemes will not be tolerated, echoing Prime Minister Modi’s resolve against corruption. Complaints received through digital platforms like the Krishi Rakshak Portal are being scrutinised rigorously, with strict action taken wherever necessary.

He also highlighted that in states such as Rajasthan, thousands of crores of rupees have been directly transferred to farmers’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system in recent years, reflecting the government’s commitment to safeguarding farmers’ interests and ensuring transparency.

Reiterating the broader vision, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that these initiatives collectively aim to build a robust system where farmers are assured not only of higher income but also protection against risks, strengthening the foundation of a resilient and self-reliant agricultural sector in the country.