Hyderabad: Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed the Rabi Workshop and Agricultural Advisory Dialogue in Patna, telling scientists, advisors and farmers that “agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy, and farmers are its soul,” and that serving them is “like worshipping God.”
He recalled India’s shift from PL-480 wheat imports to surplus stocks of wheat and rice with export capability, crediting farmers’ effort and the on-ground work of agriculture advisors who take research to the last mile.
Farmer-first pledge, district focus and advisor welfare in spotlight
Chouhan underlined that the government values agriculture advisors and is committed to their honour and welfare because their work carries laboratory gains into fields. Turning to Bihar’s potential, he highlighted pulses and maize, adding that the Pulses Mission will drive self-reliance in pulse production.
He pointed to the Cabinet-approved MSP hike and said the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana focuses on districts with lower productivity, including several in Bihar. “Eleven departments will work collectively and in coordination to boost agricultural productivity,” he said, describing coordinated execution as the core of the plan.
Invoking ‘Rashtrahit Sarvopari’ (Nation First), he asserted that India will never compromise on farmers’ interests and is moving ahead on its own terms as an independent and sovereign nation.
He praised Bihar’s farmers for leading performance in several crops and concluded that agriculture will remain the strongest foundation of India’s prosperity. He added that the Rabi Workshop convening helps sync advisories with the season’s needs so that benefits reach farmers faster.
