Bhubaneswar, May 20: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has urged the eastern states of India to focus on pulses, oilseeds, and crop diversification during this Kharif season. He emphasized the need for a new agricultural strategy centered on small and marginal farmers to enhance their income and strengthen the agricultural sector.
Speaking at a press conference during the Eastern Regional Kharif Agricultural Zonal Conference, Chouhan stated that a specialized roadmap, developed collaboratively by the central and state governments, could elevate eastern India’s agriculture to new heights.
He noted that while India is currently strong in rice and wheat production, achieving self-sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds remains a challenge. Chouhan clarified that crop diversification is not merely about planting different crops; it is also about maintaining soil health. Continuous cultivation of the same crop can degrade soil fertility, whereas growing pulses can improve soil quality through nitrogen fixation.
The conference included representatives from Odisha, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Topics such as food security, nutrition, farmers’ income, crop diversification, integrated farming, balanced fertilizer use, farmer IDs, natural farming, horticulture, and agricultural infrastructure were discussed in detail.
Chouhan pointed out that each state in a large country like India faces unique climatic, soil, and agricultural challenges. Therefore, regional zonal conferences are proving to be more effective than national meetings. He mentioned that this was the third zonal conference aimed at making concrete decisions tailored to the needs of eastern India.
He stressed the importance of integrated farming for small and marginal farmers. Models have been developed that combine grains with horticulture, vegetables, animal husbandry, aquaculture, beekeeping, and agroforestry to create multiple income sources for farmers.
Additionally, Chouhan announced a nationwide ‘Save the Farm Campaign’ to be held from June 1 to June 15. This campaign will focus on balanced fertilizer use, soil health, and raising awareness among farmers.
He warned that excessive fertilizer use without understanding soil conditions increases costs and adversely affects soil, crops, and human health. Thus, balanced use is essential.
Chouhan concluded by stating that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the central government is focusing on three main goals in the agricultural sector: ensuring food security, increasing the availability of nutritious food, and enhancing farmers’ income and living standards.
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