Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, conducted a high-level meeting at Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi, to review complaints from farmers and improve grievance redressal mechanisms. The meeting also reviewed the functioning of the Agriculture and Rural Development ministries. Senior officials, including Agriculture Secretary Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, were present.
The discussions focused on complaints received under various categories, including fertilisers, seeds, pesticides, the PM-Fasal Bima Yojana, and the PM Kisan Portal. Officials reported that farmers’ grievances are being systematically categorised and addressed. Key issues include the unavailability of fertilisers, high prices, poor-quality seeds, Nano Urea tagging, and counterfeit pesticides.
Regarding pesticides, officials presented details of 150 complaints to the Union Minister. Of these, 120 cases have been resolved, 11 FIRs filed for counterfeit products, licenses of eight companies cancelled, and 24 farmers compensated based on verified complaints.
Shri Chouhan emphasized that no complaint should be closed until the farmer is fully satisfied. Officials are instructed to follow up with farmers after action is taken to ensure resolution, and any dissatisfaction should trigger re-investigation and corrective measures. He also stressed the importance of definite timelines for complaint resolution to prevent long-standing issues.
The Minister directed officials to identify states where complaints are high and redressal is slow, and to take feedback from these states in future meetings. He further proposed honoring states and officials who perform well with certificates of appreciation to encourage better grievance management nationwide.
Shri Chouhan also highlighted that serious complaints may require direct intervention by the Ministry. A proposal was discussed to have state nodal officers obtain direct feedback from farmers on at least 10 complaints daily, ensuring accountability and timely resolution.
“This initiative is aimed at creating a single, efficient platform for all agriculture-related complaints, ensuring that farmers’ concerns are addressed promptly and transparently,” Shri Chouhan said.
This meeting reinforces the government’s commitment to strengthening farmers’ welfare, improving grievance redressal mechanisms, and promoting transparency and accountability in the agriculture sector.
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