Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers J.P. Nadda said improving farmers’ lives remained the government’s top priority while addressing a Chintan Shivir of the Department of Fertilizers in New Delhi on Friday.
Speaking at the day-long session, Nadda said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had consistently placed farmers at the centre of governance. Therefore, he said policies and decisions must directly focus on improving farmers’ lives and reducing hardships in agriculture.
Nadda said that despite several challenges, the Department of Fertilizers ensured uninterrupted availability of fertilizers. He added that farmer-friendly measures helped stabilise supply and support farmers’ lives during peak agricultural seasons.
He said these steps also contributed to record fertilizer production this year, supported by essential imports. According to him, such efforts strengthened farm productivity and protected farmers’ lives from market uncertainty.
The Union Minister said the government would further improve coordination among departments. This approach, he said, would address balanced fertilizer use and prevent misuse for non-agricultural purposes, which directly impacts farmers’ lives.
Senior officials from the Department of Fertilizers and State Governments attended the Chintan Shivir. Scientists and industry representatives also joined the discussions with the Union Minister and Minister of State Anupriya Patel.
Chintan Shivir discussions aim to improve farmers’ lives
Minister of State Anupriya Patel said the Prime Minister envisioned India as a global food basket. She said the ideas generated during the Chintan Shivir would help strengthen agriculture and improve farmers’ lives as India moves towards 2047.
Fertilizer Secretary Rajat Kumar Mishra said the government, PSUs and the private sector placed farmers at the centre of all deliberations. He said the interactive format allowed every idea to be discussed for improving farmers’ lives.
The one-day camp took place at the National Agricultural Science Complex in New Delhi. Fifteen groups held detailed discussions and submitted practical suggestions to the government.
The Union Minister, Minister of State and Fertilizer Secretary met each group individually. They reviewed suggestions and explored their implementation.
The groups discussed 15 key themes, including new-age fertilizers, self-sufficiency in production, farmer outreach, digital tools and the Nutrient Based Subsidy scheme.
Senior officials from fertilizer PSUs attended the Shivir. Representatives from cooperative societies and private companies also participated.
