Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that India has extended the principle of Swadeshi (self-reliance) to achieve comprehensive food security for its population of over 140 crore.
Addressing the first Regional Agriculture Conference of western states in Jaipur on Tuesday, Chouhan emphasized that in the current global scenario, dependence on other nations for feeding the population is neither ideal nor sustainable.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has envisioned that India must meet its food requirements through domestic production by our own farmers,” he said.
Highlighting India’s global responsibility, he added that as a Vishwa Bandhu (friend of the world), the country does not aim to limit food security to itself but also aspires to support other nations in need—similar to its efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Minister stressed that food security goes beyond merely filling stomachs. It encompasses access to nutritious meals twice a day, including wheat, vegetables, fruits, and milk.
Chouhan noted that while India has sufficient stocks of wheat and rice, there is a shortfall in pulses and oilseeds, leading to imports of pulses and edible oils.
“This dependency is not desirable, and we must work towards eliminating it,” he asserted.
He added that the government has already set clear goals to achieve self-reliance in this sector and expressed confidence that deliberations at the conference would contribute to sustainable strategies and actionable outcomes.
Outlining the government’s priorities, the Minister said: “Ensuring total food security for all citizens, increasing farmers’ income while reducing production costs and providing nutritious and balanced diets to every individual are our key focus areas.”
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma thanked the Union Minister for choosing Jaipur as the venue for the conference.
He highlighted that water availability and soil fertility are critical factors for achieving high agricultural productivity and nutritional quality.
“Our government has taken major initiatives to enhance water availability and ensure that farmers receive proper guidance on optimal use of fertilizers to maintain and improve soil health,” Sharma said.
He further noted that Rajasthan ranks first in the country in crop and farmer insurance coverage. The conference was attended by Agriculture Ministers and delegates from Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa.