Shivraj Singh Chouhan Reviews Border District Farming to Safeguard Kharif Season

Focus on Uninterrupted Agricultural Activity Amidst Border Tensions​

New Delhi, May 10 — Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday held a high-level review meeting to assess and ensure the continuity of agricultural operations across India's border districts, especially in view of the upcoming kharif sowing season.

The meeting focused on key border regions in Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, with an emphasis on safeguarding the livelihood of farmers and maintaining food production amidst escalating tensions near the international borders.

Villages Near Borders to Be Mapped for Targeted Assistance​

Chouhan directed officials to identify villages located within 10–15 km of international borders and conduct a comprehensive assessment of cultivable land in these areas. The minister stressed the importance of understanding the ground realities of displaced farmers and those currently unable to access their fields.

“We must identify exactly how many farmers are displaced or unable to reach their fields so we can develop targeted assistance plans,” Chouhan said.

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No Shortage of Fertilisers or Diesel, Assures Minister​

The agriculture ministry confirmed that there is no current shortage of essential farming inputs such as urea, DAP, NPK fertilizers, or diesel. However, the minister assured that supply chains would be closely monitored to avoid disruptions as the southwest monsoon approaches in June, marking the start of the kharif sowing season.

Proactive Planning for Kharif Season Inputs​

Recognizing the urgency, Chouhan emphasized the need for timely delivery of seeds and planting materials for affected farmers. He noted that any delays in current operations must be offset by a prompt and efficient supply of essential inputs to support kharif cultivation.

“In the current circumstances, if farmers are unable to conduct normal farming operations today, we need to assess what seeds and planting materials they will require for the upcoming Kharif season and provide these resources promptly,” Chouhan said.

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Coordination With States for Ground-Level Support​

Senior ministry officials have been instructed to engage with state governments, including chief secretaries, agriculture secretaries, and chief ministers, to implement coordinated support mechanisms. This joint effort aims to facilitate smooth farming operations across the border zones and prevent any disruption to India’s agricultural output.

The move reflects a proactive approach by the central government to mitigate the impact of external challenges on India's agrarian backbone and ensure the welfare of farmers remains a top priority.