Shivraj Singh Chouhan Highlights Govt’s Farmer-Friendly Policies, Assures Stable Fertilizer Prices

By A Staff Reporter

New Delhi: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has reiterated the Modi government's commitment to farmers, emphasizing continued subsidies on fertilizers and infrastructural support to boost rural connectivity. Speaking in Delhi, Chouhan thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for policies aimed at increasing farmers' income.

“The government bears the cost of rising fertilizer prices, especially Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP). The Modi government is a true well-wisher of farmers. In contrast, during the UPA government, the price of 500 kg of DAP rose from Rs 507.50 in 2011 to Rs 1,315.56 in 2012-13,” Chouhan stated. He assured that under the Modi administration, fertilizer costs will remain stable, with a subsidy of Rs 1.75 lakh crore allocated this year to keep prices affordable. Additionally, Rs 37,216 crore has been earmarked for subsidies during the Kharif season.

Addressing agricultural trade policies, Chouhan announced that import duties on lentils and chickpeas (chana) have been set at 11% and 10%, respectively. This move, he said, aims to reduce foreign imports and provide better prices for domestic farmers. Furthermore, the export duty on onions has been reduced to 0%, a step expected to benefit onion growers.

Highlighting infrastructure development, the minister revealed that 377 roads spanning 738.99 km have been approved under the PM-JANMAN Yojana, with an investment of Rs 508.29 crore. “We are making huge investments in rural roads to ensure better connectivity for villages so that the benefits reach farmers and the poor,” he stated.