Centre to crack down on fake farm inputs, new laws coming: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Chhattisgarh: The Centre decided to take strict and punitive action against those tampering with farmers’ crops through fake seeds, spurious fertilisers and counterfeit pesticides, Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said during his visit to Chhattisgarh.
He said the government would not tolerate any attempt to destroy farmers’ hard work and future. He added that new agricultural laws would soon be introduced in Parliament to provide a strong legal shield for farmers. According to him, the move reflected a clear and firm policy to protect farmers from fraud and exploitation.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, farmers and their holistic development remained the government’s highest priority. He stated that anti-social elements selling fake farm inputs were committing not just an economic offence but also a betrayal of farmers’ trust. Therefore, he warned that such elements would face strict action under the law.
At the start of his one-day visit, the Union Minister toured Girhola and Khapri villages in Durg district. During the visit, he stepped onto field bunds and interacted directly with farmers. He also inspected nurseries, agricultural fields and farms. Meanwhile, he gathered details on crop cycles, irrigation systems, seed production and modern farming technologies.
Fake farm inputs, diversification and technology highlighted in Chhattisgarh visit
In Girhola village, Shivraj Singh Chouhan planted a mango sapling to underline the importance of environmental conservation. He said tree plantation protected the environment and also offered farmers a sustainable source of long-term income. Accordingly, he urged farmers to adopt horticulture and tree-based farming along with traditional agriculture.
Later, the Union Minister visited Anil Agriculture Farm in Khapri village. There, he inspected the fields and addressed a farmers’ chaupal. He congratulated progressive farmers and said that farmers in Chhattisgarh were quickly adopting modern technology while preserving traditional practices. As a result, he described the state as an inspiring example for the rest of the country.
During interactions, Shivraj Singh Chouhan observed that many farmers were shifting from paddy to horticulture, vegetables and diversified crops. He said this shift was helping farmers increase their income significantly. Farmers told him that horticultural crops were giving better returns than paddy. Therefore, he encouraged wider adoption of crop diversification.
The Union Minister also briefed farmers on major central government schemes. He said the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme provided direct income support to small and marginal farmers. In addition, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana offered protection against crop losses caused by natural calamities. He said the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana promoted innovation and productivity growth.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the Digital Agriculture Mission and drone technology were improving crop monitoring and pesticide spraying. He added that these tools were also helping farmers reduce costs. Moreover, he described natural farming, micro-irrigation and water conservation as the future of agriculture and urged farmers to adopt these practices in large numbers.
Alongside agriculture, the Union Minister stressed the importance of rural development. He said schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and the National Rural Livelihood Mission were strengthening village infrastructure, connectivity and employment. According to him, rural development was closely linked to dignified livelihoods and quality of life.
Reiterating the Centre’s resolve, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the government aimed to make agriculture profitable and ensure steady growth in farmers’ income across the country. He expressed confidence that strong policies, effective laws, modern technology and farmers’ hard work would together usher in a new agricultural revolution.
The one-day visit, officials said, marked a significant step towards strengthening agricultural infrastructure, creating awareness among farmers and promoting modern farming practices in Chhattisgarh.
