Nation First, Farmers First: Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Patna
Union Agriculture Minister hails farmers, advisors at Rabi Workshop in Patna; vows never to compromise on their interests
GG News Bureau
Patna, 4th Oct: Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday addressed the Rabi Workshop and Agricultural Advisory Dialogue in Patna, where he hailed the role of farmers and agriculture advisors in strengthening India’s economy.
Speaking at the event, Chouhan said, “Agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy, and farmers are its soul. Serving farmers is akin to worshipping God.”
The Union Minister recalled India’s transformation from being dependent on wheat imports under the PL-480 programme to becoming self-sufficient and an exporter of food grains. He credited this achievement to the dedication of farmers and the guidance of agricultural advisors.
Chouhan emphasised that advisors play a vital role in taking scientific research from laboratories to the fields. “The government has recognised both the need and the value of agricultural advisors, and is fully committed to their honour and welfare,” he noted.
Highlighting Bihar’s potential in pulses and maize production, he said India is working towards self-reliance under the Pulses Mission, where advisors will be key drivers. He also underlined the recent hike in Minimum Support Prices (MSP) approved by the Union Cabinet as a boost for farmers.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Chouhan pointed to the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, which focuses on enhancing productivity in districts with low yields, including several in Bihar. “Under this scheme, eleven departments will work together to improve productivity,” he said.
Reiterating the Prime Minister’s principle of Rashtrahit Sarvopari (Nation First), the Minister asserted, “India will never compromise on the interests of its farmers. India today acts on its own terms as an independent and sovereign nation.”
Commending Bihar’s farming community, Chouhan said the state continues to excel in several crops and will remain a cornerstone of India’s agricultural prosperity in the years ahead.
