The inauguration of the Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela in Delhi marked more than an annual agricultural exhibition. It became a platform for outlining a reform-oriented roadmap aimed at building ‘Viksit Krishi’ (Developed Agriculture) within the broader vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan used the occasion to stress transparency, time-bound delivery and accountability across agricultural schemes — from MSP procurement to credit, subsidies and extension services.
Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela: A Convergence of Science and Farmers
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The three-day mela is organised at the campus of Indian Agricultural Research Institute, functioning under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). It brings together scientists, progressive farmers, agri-entrepreneurs and policymakers.
By placing farmers at the centre of the event and honouring seven recipients of the IARI Krishi Adhyeta Award, the government sought to reinforce the “Farmers First” principle — signalling that agricultural research and reforms must directly translate into field-level benefits.
Zero Tolerance for Delayed Payments
One of the strongest policy signals concerned delayed payments to farmers. The Minister warned that any agency or State government withholding farmers’ dues would have to pay 12% interest on the pending amount.
This applies across:
- Minimum Support Price (MSP) procurement payments
- Subsidy transfers
- Scheme-based assistance
The Centre is exploring the possibility of directly transferring its share of funds into farmers’ accounts if State-level delays persist. This aligns with broader Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) reforms aimed at reducing leakages and administrative bottlenecks.
Reforming MSP Procurement Timelines
The current MSP procurement window can extend up to three months, during which farmers often struggle to store produce or are compelled to sell at lower prices.
The Minister proposed completing MSP procurement within one month in coordination with States. Faster procurement would:
- Improve liquidity for farmers.
- Reduce distress sales.
- Prevent speculative hoarding.
Time-bound procurement reform could strengthen confidence in the MSP system while improving market efficiency.
Kisan Credit Card and Affordable Credit Access
Under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, farmers currently access credit at an effective interest rate of around 4%. However, delays in loan disbursal remain a concern.
The Minister called for:
- Faster loan processing.
- Minimal paperwork.
- Greater accountability of banks.
Timely institutional credit is critical to preventing farmer dependence on informal moneylenders, which often leads to debt traps.
Strengthening Krishi Vigyan Kendras as Reform Nodes
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Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) are set to be developed into district-level agricultural reform command centres. Their enhanced role would include:
- Disseminating new crop varieties and technologies.
- Promoting integrated farming models.
- Coordinating research-extension linkages.
By strengthening KVKs, the government aims to bridge the long-standing gap between laboratory innovation and field application — a core structural challenge in Indian agriculture.
Pesticide Licensing and Input Reforms
The Minister acknowledged that the pesticide licensing process is often lengthy and complex. Simplifying procedures through clear timelines and fewer administrative layers could:
- Enable quicker access to quality products.
- Reduce entry barriers for compliant firms.
- Strengthen action against substandard inputs.
Reforming input regulation is central to improving productivity and safeguarding farmer incomes.
Fertiliser Subsidy: Moving Towards Direct Transfers?
India spends over ₹2 lakh crore annually on fertiliser subsidies. Currently, the subsidy benefits manufacturers, allowing farmers to buy urea at highly subsidised rates.
The Minister suggested examining whether fertiliser subsidies could be directly transferred to farmers’ accounts. A DBT-based fertiliser system could:
- Empower farmers to make informed input choices.
- Improve transparency.
- Reduce distortions in fertiliser usage patterns.
However, such a reform would require careful calibration to avoid price shocks and ensure balanced nutrient application.
Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan and the Road Ahead
The proposed ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ will deploy teams of scientists to villages before the kharif season, offering advice on pest management, improved seeds, and export-oriented farming.
This approach emphasises:
- Time-bound extension delivery.
- Field-level scientific engagement.
- Export competitiveness.
By integrating credit reform, subsidy transparency, procurement efficiency and scientific outreach, the roadmap aims to transition Indian agriculture from subsistence support to productivity-driven growth.
What to Note for Prelims?
- Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela is organised at IARI under ICAR.
- Kisan Credit Card loans offer credit at an effective 4% interest rate.
- Fertiliser subsidy outlay exceeds ₹2 lakh crore annually.
- KVKs function as agricultural extension centres at the district level.
What to Note for Mains?
- Discuss the need for time-bound MSP procurement reforms.
- Examine the feasibility of DBT in fertiliser subsidies.
- Analyse the role of extension services in achieving ‘Viksit Krishi’.
- Evaluate how transparency and accountability can improve agricultural governance.