Minister Shivraj Chauhan stresses need for modern agriculture and thriving villages

Highlighting the inadequacy of traditional subsistence farming for tiny‑plot owners, Chauhan called for a shift toward value addition, processing and agri‑based enterprises. He outlined how the scheme will roll out in eight priority states – Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Assam and Jharkhand. At the village level, farmers will receive on‑site advisory, soil testing, machine‑sharing services, credit linkage, market connectivity and alternative livelihood options such as horticulture, livestock, fisheries and apiculture.