Shivraj Singh Chouhan Pushes for Affordable Farm Mechanization in Patiala
Patiala : Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, visited a prominent farm mechanization factory in Amargarh, Patiala today as part of the ongoing ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’. The visit highlighted the government’s focused push toward modernizing Indian agriculture with advanced and affordable mechanization, especially benefiting small and marginal farmers.
During the visit, Shri Chouhan interacted with local farmers, inspected farmland and crop production, and evaluated various agricultural tools and equipment at the manufacturing unit.
Accompanying him at the event were key figures including Punjab Agriculture Minister Shri Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, ICAR Director General Dr. M.L. Jat, Punjab Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, and Secretary of Punjab Agriculture Department Dr. Basant Garg.
In his address, Shri Chouhan reaffirmed the central government’s commitment to transforming Indian agriculture as a crucial pillar of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for a ‘Viksit Bharat’.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, contributing 5.4% to the 7.5% growth in the last financial quarter. It provides livelihoods to 50% of our population and constitutes over 18% of the national economy,” he said.
Key Focus Areas Outlined by the Minister:
Ensuring food and nutritional security for 1.45 billion people
Making agriculture profitable for farmers
Establishing India as a global food basket
Increasing productivity while reducing input costs
Shri Chouhan praised Punjab’s historic role in India’s agricultural success, stating: “I bow before the soil of Punjab. From a time when India had to import wheat, today we export high-quality rice and wheat. The time has come to further boost our farming capabilities.”
He emphasized the need for climate-resilient seeds, directing ICAR scientists to prioritize the development of heat-tolerant varieties suited to changing weather patterns.
Promoting Farm Mechanization:
Highlighting the transformative role of mechanization, Shri Chouhan said:
“Machines are now available not only for harvesting but also for planting. Multipurpose harvesters are helping reduce labour dependency and costs.”
He called for innovation in manufacturing machines suited to India’s small and diverse land holdings, contrasting Indian conditions with those in countries like Brazil. He underscored India’s potential to become a global hub for agricultural machinery exports, provided tools are also affordable for small farmers.
On Subsidies and Targeted Support:
The Minister advocated for a targeted subsidy regime, stating:
“Subsidies should go only to those who truly deserve them.”
He reiterated the importance of working in partnership with state governments and the private sector to design affordable, export-ready machinery.
Shri Chouhan concluded by asserting the government’s resolve to consult closely with farmers and industry stakeholders to address challenges in the agriculture sector.
“I am pleased to see India manufacturing machines that are globally competitive. Every step we take will be in consultation with our farmer brothers and sisters,” he said.
