NEW DELHI, 2 April 2026: The Centre has created 9.25 crore farmer IDs across 19 States, with the government now pushing for universal coverage within the next six months to strengthen delivery of agricultural services and schemes.
At a virtual review meeting with State Agriculture Ministers, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said farmer IDs would serve as a crucial digital backbone linking farmers with their land, crops, livestock, and fisheries data.
He directed States to launch coordinated campaigns between agriculture and revenue departments to achieve 100 per cent coverage, while also expanding awareness beyond beneficiaries of PM-Kisan to include all eligible farmers.
On fertiliser availability, Chouhan stressed that no shortages should be allowed, directing States to curb hoarding and black marketing. He also called for a technology-driven equitable distribution system to ensure timely access while promoting balanced and sustainable usage.
The Minister emphasised stricter monitoring in border regions to prevent illegal diversion of fertilisers and highlighted Haryana’s ‘Meri Fasal, Mera Byora’ initiative as a model for replication.
Reviewing procurement under the PM-AASHA scheme, he said States must ensure transparent procurement of pulses and oilseeds at Minimum Support Price (MSP), limited strictly to Fair Average Quality (FAQ) produce. He also mandated Aadhaar-linked registration, biometric authentication, and direct benefit transfers (DBT) to farmers’ bank accounts.
Chouhan underscored the need to expand procurement centres to reduce farmer distress and ensure fair price realisation.
The meeting also reviewed preparations for upcoming regional agriculture conferences, beginning with the western zone in Jaipur on April 7, aimed at strengthening Centre–State coordination and accelerating adoption of modern agricultural practices.
