Farmers Assured Relief And MSP As Centre Acts On Unseasonal Crop Damage

The Union government has conducted a comprehensive review of the agricultural situation across India following reports of crop damage caused by unseasonal rains and hailstorms in several states. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the government is taking proactive measures to assess losses and provide relief to affected farmers.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Chouhan noted that the adverse weather struck just as crops in many regions were nearly ready for harvest. “At a time when crops are almost ready for harvest, not only did rainfall occur, but in many areas there was also hail, which has caused damage to crops. We immediately contacted the states concerned to identify where losses occurred due to hail,” he said.

The minister directed officials to conduct immediate surveys and implement necessary measures so that farmers receive prompt relief. Earlier in the day, Chouhan shared on social media that he had held a meeting with senior officials at Krishi Bhavan to review crop losses across the country and plan timely interventions.

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Chouhan assured farmers that the government is preparing for the upcoming procurement season and that crops will be purchased at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). “The procurement of wheat and paddy will begin shortly, and production has been bumper this year. We will procure wheat and paddy, but at the same time, our focus is also very strong on pulses. We will purchase the entire quantity that farmers wish to sell,” he said.

In preparation for the Kharif season, the minister said the government is adopting a region-specific approach, dividing the country into five zones — North, South, West, East, and the hilly and Northeast states. Regional conferences are planned to formulate tailored strategies for sowing and crop management. Three conferences have been scheduled: April 7 in Jaipur, April 17 in Lucknow, and April 24 in Odisha, with dates for the remaining regions to be announced soon.

Chouhan emphasized that the regional consultations aim to strengthen local support systems for farmers, ensure better coordination, and develop strategies suited to each area’s unique conditions. “Our objective is to prepare the country’s agricultural strategy efficiently and to provide timely support to farmers ahead of the Kharif sowing season,” he said.

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