Quality, Processing and Export Emphasis to Boost Farmer Incomes, Says Central Minister

Shivraj Singh Chauhan pointed out that agriculture and food processing form the core of the “Shakti Ki Saptadhara”. He argued that Indian farmers must move beyond volume to focus on quality, purity and reliability if they wish to capture global market share.

The minister highlighted India’s rich diversity of chilies, spices, fruits, flowers and traditional food items, noting that with appropriate packaging, branding and compliance with international standards these products can command premium prices abroad. He called for integrated platforms where farmers, processors and exporters collaborate to streamline the value chain.

Natural, organic and chemical‑free farming methods are gaining demand worldwide. To tap this trend, Chauhan announced plans to provide technical guidance, market intelligence and modern processing facilities to farmer groups. He also stressed that the expansion of cold‑chain infrastructure and certification services will be critical to sustain export growth.

The speech was followed by remarks from representatives of farmer producer organisations, food processors and exporters, who shared experiences on improving product standards and accessing overseas markets.