Union Minister of Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, interacted with farmers in the Ichhawar region of Sehore district, Madhya Pradesh, on Monday. The event was organized under the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA), which aims to connect scientific research with the practical needs of farmlands. Through this campaign, the government is promoting direct dialogue with farmers across the country and encouraging the adoption of modern agricultural technologies.
The Minister announced that approximately 8 lakh new homes have been approved under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). He highlighted that eligibility criteria for the scheme have been relaxed. Now, individuals with a monthly income of up to ₹15,000, ownership of a two-wheeler, 2.5 acres of irrigated or 5 acres of non-irrigated land, will also be eligible. This decision is expected to bring significant relief to rural families in need of housing.
Shri Chouhan emphasized the success of the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, stating that the scheme is playing a vital role in making rural women financially self-reliant. He also assured that the pending projects under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana would be completed soon, enhancing rural connectivity.
Narmada Water to Reach Sehore Villages: The Minister further announced that water from the Narmada River will soon be supplied to Sehore and its surrounding villages. This will significantly improve the availability of water for both irrigation and drinking purposes in the region.
Six-Point Action Plan for Farmers’ Prosperity
12% Interest on Delayed Insurance Claims, MSP for Soybean Procurement:
The Minister announced that under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, if there is a delay in the settlement of crop insurance claims, farmers will now receive an additional 12% interest. He also informed that high-quality seeds adapted to local soil and climate can help increase yields by up to 1.5 times. Scientific teams are visiting villages to provide farmers with guidance on improved agricultural techniques. Furthermore, the government will ensure soybean procurement at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
Call for Nationwide Participation in VKSA: Reiterating the vision of “One Nation – One Agriculture – One Team,” Shri Chouhan urged farmers, agricultural scientists, and policymakers across the country to actively participate in the VKSA campaign. He stated that this is the right time to give Indian agriculture a new direction, and VKSA will serve as a powerful platform for achieving this goal.
