India reviews AgriStack mission and pulse self-reliance goals

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reviewed the progress of the AgriStack Digital Agriculture Mission and the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses during a national conference in New Delhi. A key component of the AgriStack mission is the creation of Farmer IDs, which are designed to identify farmers and track linked assets, such as land parcels.

Chouhan noted that while land parcel mapping has been slow in certain states, other regions have shown significant progress. He highlighted that Maharashtra distributed Rs 14,000 crore to farmers within five days and commended Chhattisgarh for its performance in crop procurement. The minister also reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s pledge to achieve national self-reliance in pulse production.

Assam Agriculture Minister Pijush Hazarika also addressed the conference, reporting progress in pulse cultivation through various demonstrations. He noted the potential for expanding cultivation in rice-fallow and riverine areas, while also highlighting the challenges faced by small and marginal farmers due to erratic rainfall and flooding.