New Delhi, Mar 25 (BNP): Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday said farmers’ incomes have doubled under the current government, citing higher minimum support prices (MSP), record procurement, and expanded welfare schemes.
Replying to questions in the Lok Sabha, Chouhan said the government is committed to ensuring farmers receive fair prices for their produce in all situations and has built a “strong security shield” through initiatives such as MSP procurement, PM-AASHA, and the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.
He said MSP is being fixed at cost plus 50 per cent, providing better returns to farmers, and stressed that procurement at MSP has been expanded beyond foodgrains to include pulses, oilseeds, fruits, and vegetables.
The minister said agricultural production has increased by nearly 44 per cent in recent years, alongside efforts to improve both productivity and farm incomes.
Highlighting income protection measures, Chouhan said the PM-AASHA scheme ensures support when market prices fall below MSP through direct procurement, price deficiency payments, and other interventions.
He added that under the crop insurance scheme, farmers have received claims worth about ₹1.92 lakh crore against premium payments of around ₹36,055 crore, indicating substantial benefits.
Referring to recent natural calamities in Maharashtra, the minister said ₹14,000 crore was transferred directly to farmers within five days using digital farmer identification systems.
Chouhan said the government is also supporting farmers through the Market Intervention Scheme, including covering transportation costs in some cases to help farmers access better prices in distant markets.
He emphasised increased use of technology, including satellite-based assessment, to improve transparency in crop insurance claims and ensure accurate yield estimation.
The minister reiterated that the government remains committed to protecting farmers’ interests and ensuring they receive the full value of their produce.
