Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized the need for collaborative effort between the central government and state administrations to address the challenges facing India's farming community. Speaking at the inaugural session of the Conference of Agriculture Ministers of Southern States in Hyderabad, Chouhan reaffirmed that the Centre was committed to extending complete cooperation to all states in implementing farmer-friendly initiatives.
The three-day meet brought together agriculture ministers and senior officials from several southern states to discuss strategies for improving agricultural productivity, farm incomes, and rural livelihoods across the region. Chouhan urged participating states to work in tandem with the Centre to ensure that the benefits of government schemes reached every farmer, particularly small and marginal holders who constitute the majority of India's cultivators.
The minister highlighted that farming remains the backbone of India's economy, employing nearly half the country's population. He stressed that concerted efforts were necessary to modernize agricultural practices, promote sustainable farming techniques, and reduce the vulnerabilities that small farmers face due to climate change, market fluctuations, and inadequate infrastructure.
Chouhan also touched upon the importance of diversifying crop patterns and expanding value-added agricultural activities to enhance profitability. He noted that the central government was exploring new approaches to crop insurance, market access, and post-harvest management to strengthen the agricultural sector. The minister indicated that the outcomes of the conference would help shape future policy directions for supporting farmers in southern states and across the nation.
State agriculture ministers present at the conference were expected to share their regional experiences and proposals for overcoming localised challenges in agriculture and allied sectors.
