New Delhi: Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan addresses a press conference on achievements of the first 100 days of the ministry during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third term, in New Delhi, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024.
PTI
New Delhi: Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday announced that the government will soon release the report of the committee on Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, which was established following the withdrawal of the three controversial farm laws.
“The committee members are in touch with me. The report has not been prepared yet. The committee is working continuously. We will make the report public soon,” the Minister said while addressing a press conference.
The Ministry set up a committee on MSP headed by former agriculture secretary Sanjay Agrawal in July 2022 to suggest ways to make it more effective and transparent, promote natural farming, and change crop patterns, keeping in mind the changing needs of the country.
The minister also unveiled new initiatives aimed at modernizing agriculture and improving farmer engagement. ‘Adhunik Krishi Choupal’, a new programme featuring scientists sharing agricultural innovations with farmers, will be aired on Doordarshan and All India Radio from October.
The minister will hold weekly interactions with farmers and agricultural leaders at the agriculture ministry, in an initiative dubbed “Kisan Samvad.”
Insisting that the government is pursuing a three-pronged strategy to boost farm output, the minister said the focus is on ensuring timely supply of affordable crop inputs, enhancing farmers’ income and ensuring fair prices for produce.
The government has asked states to submit their seed requirements early, particularly for new crop varieties for the upcoming rabi season to prevent delays.