India's Agriculture Minister Urges States to Combat Fertiliser Black-Marketing and Enhance Farmer Registration
Centre pushes states on fertiliser black-marketing, MSP procurement; 9.25 crore farmer IDs created
The Economic TimesImage: The Economic Times
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized the need for improved farmer registration and stricter controls on fertiliser distribution during a virtual meeting with state agriculture ministers. With 9.25 crore farmer IDs created, he urged states to achieve full coverage of the PM-AASHA scheme within six months and combat illegal fertiliser activities.
- 01Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted gaps in farmer registration and fertiliser distribution.
- 02A total of 9.25 crore farmer IDs have been created across 19 states.
- 03States are urged to enforce strict checks on fertiliser black-marketing, especially near border areas.
- 04MSP procurement for pulses and oilseeds is being reviewed, with 12 states recently cleared for procurement.
- 05Chouhan announced regional agriculture conferences starting in Jaipur on April 7.
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During a virtual meeting with state agriculture ministers, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed critical issues in farmer registration and fertiliser distribution. He noted that 9.25 crore farmer IDs have been created across 19 states and directed state governments to achieve full coverage of the PM-AASHA scheme within six months. Chouhan emphasized the importance of including all eligible farmers in the registration process, not just those benefiting from the PM-Kisan scheme. He also condemned hoarding and black-marketing of fertilisers, urging states to implement strict checks, particularly in border areas where illegal activities are prevalent. The minister praised Haryana's 'Meri Fasal, Mera Byora' scheme as a model for others to replicate. Additionally, he reviewed the procurement of pulses and oilseeds under PM-AASHA, with 12 states cleared to procure various crops. To enhance transparency, he insisted on Aadhaar-linked registration and direct payments to farmers through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. Chouhan announced that regional agriculture conferences will commence in Jaipur on April 7, focusing on targeted policy discussions across five agro-climatic zones. He also called for the revival of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan in May, a campaign that previously engaged scientists in over 60,000 villages to promote soil health and balanced fertiliser use.
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The push for improved farmer registration and stricter controls on fertiliser distribution is expected to enhance farmers' access to resources and fair pricing, ultimately benefiting their livelihoods.
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