‘Crop Tampering Won’t Be Tolerated’, Warns Shivraj Singh Chouhan

• Centre to bring stringent laws against fake seeds, fertilisers and pesticides
• Shivraj Singh Chouhan interacts directly with farmers in Girhola and Khapri villages
• Push for crop diversification, horticulture, drones and digital farming
• Focus on linking agriculture with rural development and income growth

GG News Bureau
Raipur, 31st Jan: Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday issued a strong warning against those involved in tampering with farmers’ crops, saying the Centre will not spare anyone selling fake seeds, spurious fertilisers or counterfeit pesticides.

Delivering a clear policy message during his one-day visit to Chhattisgarh, Chouhan said the Union government is preparing to introduce stringent new agricultural laws in Parliament to provide a strong legal shield to farmers. “Tampering with a farmer’s hard work and future is a betrayal. Such acts will invite strict and punitive action,” he said.

The minister underlined that under the leadership of Narendra Modi, farmers and their holistic development remain the Centre’s top priority. He said economic offences related to fake agricultural inputs directly attack farmers’ livelihoods and must be treated seriously.

Field Visit and Direct Farmer Interaction
Beginning his tour in Girhola and Khapri villages of Durg district, Chouhan stepped onto field bunds and interacted directly with farmers. He inspected nurseries, crop fields and farms, and discussed paddy cultivation, horticulture, irrigation systems, seed production and modern farming technologies.

In Girhola, the Union Minister planted a mango sapling, stressing that tree plantation supports environmental protection while also offering long-term income opportunities. He encouraged farmers to combine horticulture and tree-based farming with traditional agriculture.

At Anil Agriculture Farm in Khapri, Chouhan addressed a farmers’ chaupal, praising progressive cultivators for adopting modern techniques. He noted that Chhattisgarh farmers are increasingly diversifying beyond paddy into vegetables and horticultural crops, which are yielding higher returns.

Focus on Schemes, Technology and Rural Development
The minister highlighted major central schemes including Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana. He said digital agriculture initiatives and drone technology are improving crop monitoring, reducing costs and enhancing productivity.

Chouhan described natural farming, micro-irrigation and water conservation as the future of Indian agriculture. He also linked agricultural growth with rural development through schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and the National Rural Livelihood Mission.

Reiterating the Centre’s resolve to raise farmers’ income and make agriculture profitable, Chouhan said strong policies, effective laws and modern technology will drive a new agricultural transformation across Chhattisgarh and the country.

Several state ministers, MLAs, agricultural scientists, officials and a large number of farmers were present during the visit.