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Agri-Production Soars 44%, Farmer Incomes Double in Decade: Minister

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that India's agricultural production has increased by nearly 44% over the past ten years. He stated that many farmers have seen their incomes double during this period, crediting government initiatives. The minister highlighted schemes like PM-AASHA and the Market Intervention Scheme as forming a "strong security shield" for farmers. He also noted the government's policy of ensuring a 50% profit over production cost in MSP calculations and the swift transfer of Rs 14,000 crore in relief to Maharashtra farmers after recent natural calamities.

Key Points: Agri Production Up 44%, Farmer Incomes Double: Chouhan

  • 44% rise in agri-production
  • Many farmers' incomes doubled
  • Record MSP procurement
  • PM-AASHA provides price security
  • Rs 14,000 crore relief after Maharashtra calamities
2 min read

Many farmers' incomes doubled as agri-production rise 44 pc in a decade: Minister

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reports 44% growth in agriculture production and doubled incomes for many farmers over the past decade.

"The government has provided direct benefits to farmers through record purchases at MSP - Ministry Statement"

New Delhi, March 24

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the agriculture production in the country has increased by nearly 44 per cent over the past ten years and many farmers' incomes have doubled, according to an official statement on Tuesday.

Central Government has launched a comprehensive campaign to enhance farmers' productivity and income with record procurement at Minimum Support Price, the minister said in the Lok Sabha

Further the minister highlighted Pradhan Mantri Annadatta Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM‑AASHA), the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, price difference payment and Market Intervention Scheme providing a "strong security shield" to farmers, the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare said in a statement.

Chouhan said that the government now factors a 50 per cent profit over production cost when setting Minimum Support Prices and continuously implemented it, enabling farmers to get better returns for their hard work.

Union Minister criticised previous governments saying merely announcing MSP is not enough but actually procuring at that price is important. "The government has provided direct benefits to farmers through record purchases at MSP not only for wheat, paddy, pulses, and oilseeds but also for various other crops," the statement said.

Chouhan noted that Pradhan Mantri Annadatta Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan - PM-AASHA scheme provides security to those crops whose prices often fall below MSP. Under PM-AASHA, three types of arrangements have been made - direct purchase of pulses and oilseeds through Price Support Scheme, bridging the gap between MSP and market price through price difference payment mechanism, and providing protection to farmers through other means if needed, he added.

The minister informed that after the recent natural calamities in Maharashtra, the state government made full use of the Centre's policy-supported digital system and transferred Rs 14,000 crore directly to farmers' accounts within just five days through Farmer ID, providing swift relief.

The Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) sets a model rate for perishable fruits and vegetables, either by arranging direct purchase or by depositing the difference between model rate and market price into the farmer's account, the statement said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
The numbers sound good, but on the ground, the reality is different for many. The MSP procurement system still has leaks and middlemen. Doubling income? Maybe for some large farmers, but what about the marginal ones with less than 2 hectares? The intent is right, execution needs work.
S
Suresh O
Jai Kisan! A 44% increase in production is no small feat. Ensuring a 50% profit over cost in MSP is a solid step. My only request is to expand the MSP list to more vegetables and fruits. The Market Intervention Scheme is a good idea for perishables.
A
Anjali F
The focus on pulses and oilseeds through PM-AASHA is crucial for our national food security. We import too much. If farmers get a good price for these crops, it will reduce our dependence on other countries. Good policy direction.
D
David E
Interesting read. The digital transfer of Rs 14,000 crore in 5 days is impressive tech implementation. In the West, such disaster relief takes much longer. India's digital infrastructure for farmers seems to be paying off.
K
Karthik V
The criticism of previous governments for only announcing MSP is valid. Announcement se pet nahi bharta. Actual procurement is what matters. Hope this continues and becomes institutional, not just a political announcement before elections.

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