Union Agriculture Minister Holds Review Meeting on Lentil Prices, Import-Export, Crop Management, and Farmers' Issues

Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, held a review meeting with senior officials of the Agriculture Ministry on January 13. The meeting covered crucial topics such as sowing, marketing, sale, import-export of agricultural products, and prevailing weather conditions.

The Minister announced that he would personally hold weekly meetings on agricultural and farmers' issues and periodically convene meetings with state agriculture ministers. He also instructed officials to maintain consistent engagement with their state counterparts, emphasizing that resolving challenges at the grassroots level requires active involvement from state governments.

Discussions to Focus on Fair Pricing and Farmers' Concerns
The discussions will cover a wide range of topics, including ensuring fair pricing for agricultural products, addressing farmers' issues, sowing practices, marketing, sale, import-export, and weather-related challenges.

Review Meeting on Lentil Prices and Procurement
A review meeting with state governments is scheduled for tomorrow to discuss the prevailing prices and procurement rates of lentils, including Arhar, Chana, and Masoor, for both Kharif 2024 and Rabi 2024 crops.

Weekly Analysis on Import-Export and Consumption Patterns
The Trade Division will prepare a weekly comparative analysis of the need for importing lentils and oilseeds, considering the country's production and consumption patterns. A similar exercise will be conducted for export opportunities, providing a detailed cost-benefit analysis of crops like Chana, Arhar, and Masoor. The analysis will also outline potential interventions to benefit both farmers and consumers.

Monitoring Pest Management and Pesticide Distribution
A detailed protocol for pest management and pesticide distribution will be regularly monitored. This will include tracking issues related to maximum retail price (MRP). Reports will be compiled through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), comparing prevailing market rates with government-notified prices.