Union Ministers Kumaraswamy Discuss Key Agricultural Challenges and Support for Farmers
Kumaraswamy Backs ₹67 Crore Proposal for Arecanut Farmers, Announces Coconut Growers’ Conference in Karnataka
BNH NETWORK
New Delhi - In a constructive meeting in New Delhi, Union Minister for Agriculture Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy came together to address critical agricultural issues affecting farmers across India. While the meeting initially started with a personal invitation for Kumaraswamy to attend the weddings of Chouhan’s sons, it soon became an opportunity to discuss pressing agricultural challenges.
Kumaraswamy expressed his appreciation for Chouhan’s proposal to allocate ₹67 crore to support arecanut farmers, who have been facing market and production difficulties. “This significant financial allocation will provide much-needed relief to arecanut farmers, who have long struggled with market instability,” Kumaraswamy said, highlighting the importance of such initiatives in helping the farming community.
The ministers also discussed the challenges of coconut farmers in Karnataka. Kumaraswamy thanked Chouhan for his commitment to organizing a Coconut Growers’ Conference in the state. “This conference will serve as a vital platform for coconut farmers to address their issues, share ideas, and strengthen the agricultural community,” Kumaraswamy remarked.
One key topic was the rising transportation costs that have become a major burden on farmers’ profits. Kumaraswamy emphasized the need to reduce logistics expenses. “High transportation costs are eating into farmers’ earnings. Streamlining transportation and making it more affordable is crucial to ensuring farmers get fair prices for their produce,” he explained.
The discussion also focused on the exploitation of farmers by middlemen, who often capture a large portion of the profits. Kumaraswamy proposed eliminating intermediaries by improving direct market access and empowering farmer cooperatives. “Farmers deserve fair prices for their products. Strengthening direct sales channels and cooperatives will help cut out the middlemen,” he said.
In addition, the ministers discussed the issue of market price crashes, particularly with pulses, due to overproduction. Kumaraswamy suggested better crop planning and enhanced storage facilities as a solution to stabilize prices and prevent farmers from suffering financial losses.
Kumaraswamy also highlighted the importance of ensuring that fertilizer subsidies reach farmers without delays. “Subsidies must be delivered directly to farmers through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, without unnecessary bureaucratic delays,” he stressed.
With Chouhan’s commitment to the Coconut Growers’ Conference and a shared determination to address these challenges, the meeting marked a step toward stronger support for farmers. These discussions reflect a mutual commitment to enhancing the livelihoods of farmers and ensuring the long-term sustainability of India’s agricultural sector.
