Raisen buzzed with energy on the final day of the Advanced Agriculture Festival 2026, as Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan took the stage at a massive farmers’ conclave. His speech zeroed in on the Kisan Credit Card, crediting it with a seismic shift in farmers’ fortunes. Originating under Atal Bihari Vajpayee and supercharged by Narendra Modi’s leadership, this scheme has liberated millions from the clutches of high-interest loans.
‘Farmers once surrendered their entire yield to usurious lenders for basic inputs,’ Chouhan recounted, evoking empathy from the crowd. Today, the card delivers timely, low-cost finance, turning vulnerability into viability. He coupled this with praise for the Agri Infrastructure Fund, enabling cold chains and warehouses, and PM KUSUM’s solar incentives that cut energy costs dramatically.
Yet, challenges remain. Many farmers lack awareness, stumbling over application processes. Chouhan, flanked by ministers Ramanath Thakur and Shyam Singh Rana, stressed the need for better outreach during a seminar at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra.
A highlight was the empowerment of women through self-help groups and FPOs. These enterprising ladies are not just increasing incomes but fortifying rural economies with premium, innovative products. Their festival displays radiated quality and unity, proving that organized effort yields real dividends.
Wrapping up the festival, Chouhan envisioned a tech-driven agrarian renaissance. With innovations in solar energy, infrastructure, and credit access, India’s farmers stand poised for unprecedented growth and self-sufficiency.
