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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 only on traditional farming is no longer enough to boost earnings. The minister specifically promoted dairy production and cow rearing as vital supplementary activities. 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 boosters 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 routine environmental planting
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 crops 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

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
Good advice in theory, but where is the support? Setting up a dairy unit needs capital, fodder, and veterinary access. The government talks about allied activities but the subsidies and loans for these are so hard to get for small farmers. First fix that, then give speeches.
A
Aman W
This is the right direction. We need to move beyond just crop cycles. In our village, women's self-help groups running poultry and goat farming are doing very well. It provides a steady income even when the monsoon fails. More such training programs are welcome.
P
Priya S
While diversification is important, let's not forget the core issue. Why *can't* agriculture alone increase income? Unstable MSP, rising input costs, and market exploitation by middlemen. Solving these should be the primary focus, not shifting the burden onto farmers to do more.
V
Vikram M
Animal husbandry is a great buffer. During the lockdown, when vegetable prices crashed, it was the sale of milk and eggs that kept our family afloat. The government should ensure these NDRI trainings reach the remotest villages, not just places near cities.
M
Michael C
Interesting perspective. In many economies, agricultural households have multiple income streams. The key is providing the right infrastructure - cold storage for milk, access to cooperative markets, and insurance for livestock. Hope the training includes these practical aspects.

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