Stricter fertiliser oversight, expanded procurement, and digital authentication mark a new phase in farmer-centric policy execution

In a decisive move to fortify India’s agricultural governance architecture, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, convened a high-level virtual conclave with state agriculture ministers to review the progress of farmer identification, fertiliser availability, and key farm-sector interventions.

At the heart of the deliberations lay the ambitious Farmer ID initiative—envisioned as a digital cornerstone linking cultivators to their landholdings, crops, livestock, and allied activities. With 9.25 crore farmer IDs already generated across 19 states, the Minister underscored the urgency of achieving universal coverage within six months. He called for a coordinated campaign between state agriculture and revenue departments, complemented by expansive public outreach to ensure inclusion beyond existing beneficiaries of flagship schemes.

Turning to fertiliser management, the Minister issued a firm directive: availability must remain uninterrupted, and market distortions must be decisively curbed. States were instructed to intensify surveillance against hoarding and black-marketing, while embracing technology-driven distribution systems to ensure equitable access. Emphasis was also placed on promoting balanced nutrient use and advancing organic and natural farming practices, aligning productivity with sustainability.

Special vigilance along border regions was flagged as a strategic priority to curb the illicit movement of fertilisers. In a nod to innovation, Haryana’s ‘Meri Fasal, Mera Byora’ platform was commended as a replicable model for enhancing transparency and farmer engagement across states.

The review further spotlighted procurement operations under the PM-AASHA framework, with multiple states receiving approvals for pulses and oilseeds procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP). The Minister reiterated that procurement must adhere strictly to Fair Average Quality (FAQ) standards, ensuring both quality assurance and market discipline.

In a bid to streamline operations and enhance accountability, states were directed to adopt Aadhaar-linked registration systems, integrate biometric or facial authentication at procurement centres, and ensure seamless direct benefit transfers into farmers’ bank accounts. Expanding procurement infrastructure to minimize farmer inconvenience and ensuring timely grievance redressal were also emphasized as critical priorities.

Through this multi-pronged push—spanning digital integration, supply chain vigilance, and procurement reform—the government reaffirmed its commitment to building a resilient, transparent, and farmer-centric agricultural ecosystem. The initiative signals a calibrated effort to blend technology, policy, and execution in service of India’s vast agrarian community, ensuring that growth is both inclusive and sustainable.