Kisan in me has not died: Rajnath vows more agriculture support

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday pledged that the shortage of funds would not come in the way of doing more for the agriculture sector, saying the Government’s efforts to transform the lives of farmers were not enough and that there was a need to do even more.

Addressing the three-day Unnat Krishi Mela, Singh said the Government had launched several schemes — PM-Kisan, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Soil Health Card and an online network of wholesale mandis — to boost farmers’ income and farm productivity.

“These efforts have transformed the lives of farmers. But I believe the change is not enough. There is a need to do even more for the agriculture sector and our villages,” he said, adding, “We will not be worried about funds. The shortage of funds will not be an obstacle. I want to assure you this.”

Reflecting on his political journey, Singh said the farmer in him had never left despite holding several ministerial portfolios. “In my political life, I have been Agriculture Minister in the past. Wherever I have gone, the kisan in me has been alive,” he said.

“Usually, people see a defence minister as responsible for soldiers and the country’s security, not agriculture. Our responsibility is to ensure the country’s security, but the kisan in me has not gone away,” he added.

Underlining his concern for farmers, Singh said the defence ministry had begun procuring organic fresh vegetables and fruits directly from farmers for cantonment areas.

“Vegetables, fruits and other produce were earlier being brought from far away, losing freshness in transit. Now we are buying organic produce from farmers,” he said, noting the move would fetch farmers better prices while also benefiting soldiers.

The defence ministry, he said, is also promoting millets - shree anna - such as jowar and ragi, along with organic produce, through its canteen stores department.

Singh said the Government is acting on the ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’ slogan by promoting millet in the armed forces to strengthen farmers economically.

“Flours made from jowar, bajra and ragi have been introduced in the armed forces. By our efforts, we are again acting upon the slogan ‘Jai Jawan-Jai Kisan’,” said Singh, who was Union minister for agriculture in 2003-2004 in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government.