NewKerala.com

Shivraj Chouhan's Farm Warning: Why Agriculture Alone Can't Boost Income

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan delivered a clear message to farmers about income diversification. He stated that relying solely on farming is no longer enough to boost earnings. The minister advocated for allied activities like dairy and cow rearing, especially for those with smaller landholdings. He made these remarks while addressing a farmer gathering organized by the National Dairy Research Institute in Vidisha.

Key Points: Shivraj Chouhan Says Farmers Must Diversify Beyond Agriculture

  • Chouhan emphasizes dairy and animal husbandry as key income sources for small landholders
  • He spoke at an NDRI Kisan Sangosthi event targeting ST and SC farmers
  • The minister highlighted exclusive training workshops provided by the National Dairy Research Institute
  • His visit to Bhopal included meeting women farmers and planting a sapling for environmental awareness
2 min read

Agriculture alone cannot increase farmers' income: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan urges farmers to adopt dairy and animal husbandry for sustainable income, stating reliance solely on agriculture is insufficient.

"In today’s time, farmers can’t solely depend on agriculture to increase their income. Other activities should be adopted. - Shivraj Singh Chouhan"

Bhopal, Dec 13

Union Agriculture Minister and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday said that farmers cannot rely solely on agriculture to increase their income and must adopt allied activities such as dairy and animal husbandry.

Speaking at a Kisan Sangosthi organised by the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) in Vidisha, Chouhan told a large gathering of farmers, including those from Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Scheduled Castes (SC), that diversification is essential for sustainable earnings.

“In today’s time, farmers can’t solely depend on agriculture to increase their income. Other activities should be adopted. Milk production and cow rearing will help a lot, especially for farmers who have smaller landholdings,” Chouhan said.

He added that animal husbandry has proven to be an effective tool for enhancing rural incomes and highlighted that NDRI workshops are providing exclusive training to farmers in this sector.

After the programme, Chouhan met women farmers and received their blessings.

Known popularly as ‘Mama’ for his Ladli Laxmi Yojana launched in 2007 and the Ladli Behna Yojana in 2022, the BJP leader also planted a sapling in Bhopal earlier in the day, continuing his daily routine of promoting environmental awareness.

Meanwhile, his arrival in Bhopal and the sudden increase in security cover sparked speculation. Party sources clarified that the enhanced security was part of a routine exercise following a periodic review by the Union Home Ministry. Instructions were issued to both the Madhya Pradesh and Delhi governments to strengthen his protection, a BJP spokesperson said.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good advice, but where is the support system? Training is one thing, but we need affordable veterinary services, reliable cold chains for milk, and easier loans for buying cattle. The government needs to build this ecosystem first.
A
Aman W
It's easy for a minister to say this. The reality is different. For a farmer with 2 acres, taking care of crops is a full-time job. Adding cattle means more work, more investment in fodder, and new risks of disease. They should focus on making farming itself profitable first.
S
Shreya B
This is the traditional Indian model - farming with livestock. Our grandparents did it. It's sustainable and creates a circular economy on the farm (manure for crops). Happy to see it being promoted again. Hope the training reaches women farmers effectively.
D
David E
Interesting perspective. In many economies, agricultural diversification into value-added activities is key. The focus on dairy makes sense given India's position. The success will depend on market access and reducing the power of middlemen.
K
Karthik V
True, but what about horticulture, fisheries, or beekeeping? Dairy is important, but we need options. Also, the article ends with talk of his security cover... why is that even mixed with a farmers' story? 🤔 Focus on the issue please.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50