INTRO: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan chaired a high-level meeting to assess fertiliser availability and strengthen preparedness for the upcoming Kharif season.
New Delhi
During the meeting, the minister emphasised the urgent need to maintain an equitable and consistent supply of fertilisers to farmers, while also addressing concerns related to black marketing and hoarding. He directed officials to take strict action against any attempts to exploit the global crisis for profit, particularly in the distribution of fertilisers and seeds.
Chouhan underlined the importance of improving transparency in the distribution system and instructed authorities to accelerate the implementation of ‘Farmer IDs’. This initiative is expected to streamline the supply chain and ensure that benefits reach genuine farmers without leakages or irregularities. He also indicated that he would soon convene meetings with chief ministers and state agriculture ministers to strengthen coordination between the Centre and states.
The review meeting also assessed the availability of agro-chemicals and essential gases required for seed processing. Special attention was given to ensuring adequate packaging materials, particularly for milk and other agricultural products, which could face supply disruptions due to global developments. The minister directed officials to coordinate closely with the Ministry of Petroleum and other relevant departments to maintain smooth supplies.
In a significant step, the government has set up a dedicated Special Cell to monitor the agricultural sector round the clock. This cell will provide weekly updates to the minister on the availability of fertilisers, seeds, and pesticides, enabling timely interventions if shortages arise.
Chouhan urged senior officials to adopt a proactive approach during this critical period and reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding farmers’ interests. He highlighted that agricultural production in India has increased substantially over the past decade and noted ongoing efforts to boost farmer incomes through enhanced procurement at minimum support prices and other supportive measures.