NEW DELHI, 11 May 2025: Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday conducted a high-level review of farming operations in border districts of Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Jammu & Kashmir, ahead of the crucial kharif sowing season.
The minister emphasized the need to ensure uninterrupted agricultural activity in these sensitive zones and instructed officials to identify villages located within 10–15 km of international borders. The review will extend to Haryana and Himachal Pradesh as well.
"We must identify exactly how many farmers are displaced or unable to reach their fields so we can develop targeted assistance plans," Chouhan said, underlining the urgency of preparedness for the June-sown kharif crops.
A comprehensive evaluation will be carried out to assess cultivable land, crops typically grown, the number of affected farmers, and the logistical needs for successful planting.
Chouhan assured that there is no shortage of essential inputs such as urea, DAP, NPK fertilizers, or diesel, but added that supply chains will be vigilantly monitored to prevent disruptions.
The Ministry of Agriculture will coordinate closely with state governments to deploy timely support, including seeds and planting materials, especially in areas where farming activities are currently restricted.
Senior ministry officials have been tasked with engaging state-level counterparts to ensure synchronized implementation of kharif readiness plans.
