Crisis in the Fields: Minister Calls for Swift Action on Crop Losses

Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized the urgency of addressing crop damages after unseasonal rain and hailstorms affected standing rabi crops like wheat. He mandated officials to liaise with state governments to gauge crop losses accurately, particularly focusing on regions severely impacted by the adverse weather conditions.

The minister underscored the importance of precise crop damage assessments, vital for processing insurance claims effectively, and urged vigilance amid new weather advisories from the India Meteorological Department. Chouhan guaranteed official support for upcoming government procurement measures, ensuring that wheat and paddy purchases proceed as planned.

Stress was also laid on boosting premium varieties like Madhya Pradesh’s Sarbati wheat, advocating for a shift towards quality over quantity as a strategy to enhance market resilience. Efforts to stabilize prices for pulses through agencies such as NAFED and NCCF were highlighted as essential to supporting farmers during this crisis.