Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan, while addressing a farmers' awareness conference organized by the BJP's state agriculture wing in Erode on Monday, unveiled the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin scheme, designed to accelerate rural development through guaranteed employment and livelihood opportunities. He highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's deep commitment to farmers, describing them as the lifeblood of the nation, and noted India's impressive economic progress under Modi's leadership, rising from the 11th to the 5th largest economy globally, with clear goals to secure the third position soon and the top rank by 2047.

Chouhan sharply criticized the DMK-led government in Tamil Nadu, alleging that it is actively working against farmers' interests by interfering with central schemes, particularly the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, resulting in fewer beneficiaries receiving direct financial support. He claimed that Chief Minister MK Stalin is apprehensive about central funds reaching farmers directly, which has led to improper implementation of national programs and deprived the state's agricultural community of essential benefits meant for their upliftment.

To address these issues, the minister introduced the new VB-G RAM G scheme as an improved replacement for the MGNREGS, extending guaranteed employment from 100 to 125 days per year with substantial central funding allocated to ensure effective village-level growth and infrastructure. Chouhan emphasized that this initiative reflects the central government's determination to support rural economies despite state-level obstacles, and he called for a change in the Tamil Nadu administration to better serve farmers and ordinary citizens.

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During his visit, Chouhan interacted with local farmers, inspected turmeric markets and farmlands, and responded positively to regional demands, assuring the establishment of the Southern Regional Office of the National Turmeric Board in Erode through recommendations to the Commerce Ministry. He also promised immediate steps for an ICAR laboratory testing center, enhanced cold storage facilities, promotion of online turmeric trading, and measures to curb illegal practices in the sector.

Ahead of Pongal celebrations, Chouhan reiterated that Prime Minister Modi remains steadfast in his pledge to enrich the lives of small and marginal farmers without compromising national development goals, positioning agriculture at the core of India's prosperity vision.

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