GORAKHPUR, 26 October 2025: Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, held a ‘Gram Chaupal’ at Dumri Khurd village in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, engaging with farmers, Self Help Group (SHG) members, and Panchayat representatives on agricultural and allied sector initiatives.

Shri Chouhan highlighted the joint efforts of the Central and Uttar Pradesh Governments in supporting farmers, focusing on increased production, improved seeds, and cost reduction measures. He assured compensation for crop losses under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and sought feedback on major crops, production costs, and local food infrastructure needs.

The Union Minister discussed the ‘Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission’, aimed at boosting lentil and gram production, and invited suggestions from farmers. He also detailed the recent increase in Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Rabi crops, including wheat, gram, lentil, and mustard, which will significantly benefit cultivators.

Shri Chouhan informed farmers about the reduction in GST on agricultural machinery from 12% and 18% to 5%, emphasising the direct financial benefits. He encouraged diversification of income through animal husbandry, fisheries, beekeeping, and horticulture, alongside conventional farming, and shared information on government schemes for animal vaccination.

Farmers, SHG members, and Panchayat representatives actively participated, sharing their challenges and suggestions. Shri Chouhan concluded the programme by appealing for collective cooperation to promote rural development and agricultural prosperity.