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Centre Shields Farmers from Global Fertiliser Price Rise, Rolls Out Farmer ID

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the government will absorb global price increases to keep fertiliser costs stable for farmers. A new 'Farmer ID' system is being rolled out to ensure transparent distribution and prevent the diversion of subsidised fertilisers. The system will link landholding and crop details to determine exact requirements and curb hoarding. An additional Rs 41,000 crore has been allocated to sustain the subsidy burden and protect farmers from financial strain.

Key Points: Govt to Cushion Farmers from Fertiliser Price Rise, Launch Farmer ID

  • Fertiliser prices unchanged for farmers
  • Rs 41,000 cr additional subsidy approved
  • Farmer ID to prevent subsidy diversion
  • System to link landholding and crop data
  • Over 92.9 million IDs already generated
2 min read

Centre to cushion farmers from global fertiliser price rise, roll out 'Farmer ID': Shivraj

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announces unchanged fertiliser prices, Rs 41,000 cr subsidy, and a new Farmer ID system to prevent diversion.

"A bag of urea will continue to be available at Rs 266, and DAP at Rs 1,350. The government is bearing the entire additional burden. - Shivraj Singh Chouhan"

Bhopal, April 10

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday said the Centre will continue to shield farmers from rising global fertiliser prices and is rolling out a 'Farmer ID' system to ensure transparent distribution and prevent diversion.

Addressing a press conference at his residence here, Chouhan said that despite an increase in international raw material costs, the government has decided to keep fertilizer prices unchanged for farmers.

"A bag of urea will continue to be available at Rs 266, and DAP at Rs 1,350. The government is bearing the entire additional burden so that farmers are not affected," he said.

He informed that the Union Cabinet has approved an additional allocation of Rs 41,000 crore to sustain the subsidy, ensuring that farmers do not face any financial strain due to global price fluctuations.

Raising concerns over misuse, the Union Minister said subsidised fertilisers are often diverted for industrial or non-agricultural purposes. To tackle this, the Centre is developing a 'Farmer ID' based system.

"This model will link every farmer's landholding, crop details, and family information to a single ID. Based on this, the exact requirement of fertilisers will be determined," Chouhan explained.

He added that the system aims to strike a balance by ensuring adequate supply to genuine farmers while preventing hoarding, black marketing, and excessive procurement. "Our goal is that no farmer faces a shortage, but at the same time, misuse is strictly controlled," he said.

According to the Minister, over 92.9 million Farmer IDs have already been generated, and the government aims to extend coverage to around 130 million farmers across the country.

Chouhan also addressed challenges faced by sharecroppers and tenant farmers. He said a model -- successfully piloted in Madhya Pradesh and Haryana -- allows such farmers to access fertilisers based on written authorization from landowners.

"We are working to refine this system further and implement it nationwide so that no cultivator is left out," The Minister stated.

Touching upon global developments, Chouhan said the government is closely monitoring the impact of geopolitical tensions on fertilizer supply and agricultural exports. "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, continuous high-level meetings are being held to ensure uninterrupted availability of fertilisers," he said.

He reiterated that protecting farmers remains the government's top priority. "We are committed to ensuring fair prices, adequate inputs, and minimum impact of global crises on our farmers," Chouhan added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Finally, a move to stop the diversion! So much subsidised urea gets sold to industries or smuggled across borders. A transparent system linked to landholding can fix this. ₹41,000 crore is a huge subsidy, taxpayers' money. It's right that it should reach only the intended farmers. 👏
S
Suresh O
Good announcement, but what about the ground reality? In my village, we still face shortages during peak season. Dealers create artificial scarcity. Will this Farmer ID system ensure we get our quota on time? The sharecropper model from MP needs to be rolled out fast across India.
A
Anjali F
Appreciate the government's intent to shield farmers. However, as an agri-economist, I have a respectful criticism. While price stability is vital, we must also focus on reducing over-dependence on chemical fertilizers. Long-term soil health and promoting organic alternatives should be part of the same conversation.
K
Karthik V
92.9 million IDs already? That's impressive coverage if true. Digitisation can bring real transparency. Hope the system is simple and works offline too, considering internet issues in rural areas. Linking crop details is smart to calculate exact needs and prevent overuse.
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Michael C
Interesting read. From a policy perspective, bearing a ₹41,000 cr subsidy is a significant fiscal commitment to food security. The Farmer ID seems like an Aadhaar-like solution for agriculture. Monitoring global supply chains due to geopolitics is also a prudent move. Will be watching how this unfolds.

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