Centre committed to farmers’ welfare, says Shivaraj Singh Chouhan

Union Agriculture Minister Shivaraj Singh Chouhan said here on Friday that the Centre was committed to the welfare of the farmers and want to strengthen agriculture, during the 110th birth anniversary celebrations of Shivaratri Rajendra Swami of the Suttur Mutt.

Mr. Chouhan emphasised the centrality of farmers to India’s development, calling them “annadatta”, while highlighting government initiatives to improve agriculture.

He said it was imperative to reduce agricultural losses, promote crop diversification, etc., and added that small farmers with one to two acre holdings can benefit from integrated farming practices.

The Minister noted the industriousness of the farmers and said that in the past, India struggled to feed itself and led a ‘’hand-to-mouth existence’’.

“But today, thanks to our farmers, we export food globally. India is poised to become the food basket of the world,” Mr. Chouhan,said, adding that national unity must prevail over political differences, especially on issues of self-reliance. “Our Prime Minister has urged that we buy only what is made in India to strengthen our economy,” he stated.

Lauding the contributions of Rajendra Swami and Suttur Mutt institutions, Mr. Chouhan highlighted their commitment to education, health, and community welfare. He said that the seer believed in the dictum that providing education and service to the needy was real worship to God and exemplified ancient Indian vaues.

Citing India’s rich spiritual heritage, Mr. Chouhan noted that long before other civilisations, Indian sages emphasised truth, unity, and universal welfare.

“Indian saints declared thousands of years ago that the world is for all, and that the whole world is one family,” he said, referring to various scriptures that have consistently prayed for peace and the well-being of all.

Suttur Mutt, said Mr. Chouhan, exemplified the ancient values of India providing food, education, and healthcare to communities.

“Primary school children, especially those affected by COVID-19, are being educated and fed free of cost; healthcare is subsidised for the poor. This is true service, the service of God,” he added. Service to the society and children in need aligns with India’s ancient ethos, and institutions like Suttur Mutt remain beacons of these values, Mr. Chouhan added.

The present seer of Suttur Mutt Shivaratri Deshikendra Swami, and pontiffs and heads of other mutts were present.