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Shivraj urges Centre, states to put farmers above politics

Shivraj urges Centre, states to put farmers above politics
Centre, states must rise above politics to put farmers first: Shivraj · thestatesman.com

Shivraj Chouhan asked national and state governments to work together for farmers.

He said political disagreements should not stop cooperation.

He spoke at the National Agriculture Conference — Rabi Campaign 2026.

The Union government gave financial sanction letters worth more than Rs 1,200 crore to 10 states.

West Bengal received the largest amount.

Chouhan said farming and foodgrain production have grown in recent years.

States will have monthly meetings to review agricultural work.

They must also choose suitable seeds, protect crops and help farmers receive fair prices.

Key facts

Funding announced
More than Rs 1,200 crore under the Prime Minister Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.
States funded
Ten states: West Bengal, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Mizoram, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand and Punjab.
Largest allocation
West Bengal was sanctioned Rs 290 crore.
Agriculture growth
Chouhan said the agriculture growth rate rose from 3% in 2015 to 4.5%.
Foodgrain production
The average annual increase rose from around 40 lakh tonnes to 84 lakh tonnes.
Rabi production increase
Rabi foodgrain production increased by 205 lakh tonnes between 2023-24 and 2025-26.
Procurement payments
The government plans to procure 100% of tur, urad and masoor at MSP, with payment arrangements within 48 hours.

Quotes

Shivraj Chouhan

India’s Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister

“Governments and political parties come and go; parties are formed and dissolved, but the country and its farmers are eternal.”
thestatesman.com

Sources

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