Union Agriculture Minister Reviews Farm Schemes With Gujarat, Punjab; Stresses Timely Budget Use

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday held a review meeting with the agriculture ministers of Gujarat and Punjab to assess the progress of key central schemes and urged states to ensure timely, transparent, and result-oriented use of funds to maximize benefits for farmers.

The meeting, held at Krishi Bhavan in New Delhi, focused on the implementation of the Prime Minister’s Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY), Krishonnati Yojana (KY), and other major agriculture schemes. Discussions covered state-wise implementation status, physical and financial progress, pending proposals, and budget utilization.

The meeting was attended by Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, Gujarat Minister of State for Agriculture Rameshbhai Katara, Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi, senior ministry officials, and representatives of concerned departments.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan directed the states to ensure that funds released by the central government are utilized within stipulated timelines and strictly as per guidelines. He said states demonstrating effective and timely utilization of funds would be considered for adequate and uninterrupted financial support in future budget allocations.

The minister also underlined the importance of depositing the prescribed interest amount on the central share within the stipulated time. Any delay, he cautioned, could hamper scheme implementation and adversely affect the release of subsequent installments.

Reviewing Gujarat’s performance, Chouhan expressed satisfaction over the state’s production potential in pulses and oilseeds, farmer participation, and procurement at the minimum support price (MSP). He emphasized the need to accelerate the procurement of urad and to further simplify and streamline the purchase process to make it more farmer-friendly.

Stating that protecting farmers’ interests, enhancing incomes, and ensuring sustained agricultural growth remain core priorities, Chouhan said effective, planned, and outcome-driven utilization of the allocated budget is essential. Timely financial utilization, he added, enables a realistic assessment of scheme impact and facilitates the prompt release of subsequent central assistance.