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Key Points

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has praised recent GST reforms for their focus on reducing agricultural production costs. He emphasized that these changes will directly benefit farmers by increasing overall output. The reforms include rationalized GST rates with essential items placed in lower tax slabs. Chouhan also highlighted the important role of women's self-help groups in strengthening rural economies.

Key Points: Shivraj Chouhan Hails GST Reforms to Cut Farming Costs Boost Production

  • GST reforms aim to lower farming production costs and increase output
  • Rationalized GST rates now feature 5% and 18% slabs for goods
  • Essential items like food and agriculture equipment are in the 5% slab
  • Women's self-help groups are strengthening rural economies through various products
3 min read

Aim is to reduce cost of production in farming, increase production: Shivraj Singh Chouhan hails GST reforms

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan praises GST reforms aimed at reducing agricultural production costs and increasing output to benefit farmers nationwide.

"Our aim is to reduce the cost of production in farming and increase production...The farmers of the country will get a big benefit from the GST reforms. - Shivraj Singh Chouhan"

Bhopal, September 6

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday hailed the Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms, emphasising that the Centre is aiming to reduce the cost of production in agriculture and increase overall output, which would benefit farmers directly.

The Union Minister stated that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has been continuously working to improve the lives of the common people through GST reforms, particularly in the agricultural sector.

Addressing the press conferences in Bhopal, Chouhan said, "Our aim is to reduce the cost of production in farming and increase production...The farmers of the country will get a big benefit from the GST reforms."

"The NDA government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is continually making efforts to improve the lives of the common man...From the ramparts of the Red Fort, PM Modi told the country that next-generation reforms will be brought in GST and those reforms have brought great relief to the people," Chouhan further added.

The Union Minister also underlined the role of women's self-help groups (SHGs) in strengthening rural economies. "Women self-help groups are working on a large scale in handicrafts, handmade goods, leather goods, milk and milk products, which have made many sisters Lakhpati Didi. Their lives will also improve," Chouhan said.

On Wednesday, the 56th GST council meeting decided to rationalise GST rates to two slabs of 5 per cent and 18 per cent by merging the 12 per cent and 28 per cent rates.

The 5 per cent slab consists of essential goods and services, including food and kitchen item like butter, ghee, cheese, dairy spreads, pre-packaged namkeens, bhujia, mixtures, and utensils; agriculture equipment; handicrafts and small industries; also medical equipment and diagnostic kits.

The 18 per cent slab consists of a standard rate for most goods and services, including automobiles such as small cars and motorcycles (up to 350cc), consumer goods like electronic items, household goods, and some professional services, a uniform 18 per cent rate applies to all auto parts.

Additionally, there is a 40 per cent slab for luxury and sin goods, including tobacco and pan Masala, products such as cigarettes, bidis, and aerated sugary beverages, as well as luxury vehicles, high-end motorcycles above 350cc, yachts, and helicopters.

Moreover, some essential services and educational items are fully exempted from GST, including individual health, family floater and life insurance; also, certain services related to education and healthcare are GST-exempt.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The focus on women's SHGs is commendable. Lakhpati Didi initiative has already changed many rural women's lives. With GST benefits on handicrafts and dairy products, more women can become financially independent 💪
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Aman W
While the intentions sound good, implementation is key. Many previous agricultural reforms promised much but delivered little at the ground level. Hope this time the benefits actually reach small farmers.
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Sarah B
The simplified tax structure with 5% and 18% slabs makes so much sense! The previous multiple rates created confusion and compliance headaches. This should help small businesses and farmers alike.
Vikram M
Good to see agricultural equipment in the 5% slab. This should make farming more affordable for small and marginal farmers. Now if they can also ensure timely availability of these equipments in rural areas.
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Nisha Z
The 40% tax on luxury items and sin goods is a smart move. This progressive taxation helps fund development while discouraging unhealthy consumption. Hope the revenue is used for rural development as promised.

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