Scientific Agricultural Roadmap for West Bengal Underway: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Kolkata, July 15: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced on Tuesday that the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), West Bengal’s government agricultural university, and agricultural scientists are collaboratively developing a scientific agricultural roadmap for West Bengal.
Chouhan chaired a high-level review meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari in Kolkata. Following the meeting, he addressed a joint press conference with the Chief Minister, revealing plans to create a scientific agricultural roadmap for the state.
The Minister stated that this roadmap will identify region-specific crop plans based on agricultural climate conditions, soil characteristics, water availability, and local resources. It will also recommend appropriate technologies and value-chain models to maximize agricultural productivity.
He mentioned efforts to develop rice research institutions as centers of excellence, positioning West Bengal as a research-driven model for crops like rice, potatoes, and maize.
Additionally, he announced that farmers in West Bengal will be brought under the Prime Minister‘s Crop Insurance Scheme to ensure protection against crop losses due to natural disasters.
Chouhan pointed out that access to Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) is limited in West Bengal. Therefore, village-level camps will be organized in collaboration with NABARD and banks to expand KCC coverage, ensuring farmers receive affordable institutional loans and reducing reliance on informal lenders.
He highlighted that initiatives such as the National Mission on Natural Farming, PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, Digital AgriTech, and Nutrition Promotion Programs will significantly transform West Bengal’s agricultural landscape.
Chouhan also announced enhanced financial support for women-led self-help groups under the Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana in West Bengal. This package includes ₹245 crore in bank loans and ₹50 crore under the community investment fund.
He noted that rural women in West Bengal are transforming household economies through savings, loans, and micro-enterprises. Additional financial assistance will strengthen their participation in production, processing, value addition, and marketing, creating new employment opportunities and increasing rural incomes.
On this occasion, he also mentioned that interim approval has been granted for one lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin, with ₹12,064 crore approved for rural development and employment security under the ‘Developed India-G Ramji’ framework.
