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Farmers and Livestock Rearers Are the Backbone of Rajasthan’s Economy: CM Bhajanlal Sharma

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma held a pre-budget dialogue with farmers, livestock rearers, and dairy union representatives, highlighting agriculture, animal husbandry, and dairy as the backbone of Rajasthan’s economy and outlining key government initiatives for their growth and welfare.
Farmers and Livestock Rearers Are the Backbone of Rajasthan’s Economy: CM Bhajanlal Sharma
By ILJC Team|

Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma reaffirmed that farmers and livestock rearers form the strongest pillar of Rajasthan’s economy. He stated that the state government is continuously taking decisive steps to make farmers and animal husbandry stakeholders more prosperous, empowered, and secure.

Addressing a pre-budget consultation meeting with farmers, livestock rearers, and office-bearers of dairy unions at the Chief Minister’s Office on Sunday, Shri Sharma emphasized that agriculture, animal husbandry, and the dairy sector are deeply interconnected and complementary. Working in harmony, these sectors are playing a vital role in realizing the vision of “Aapno Agrani Rajasthan” (Our Leading Rajasthan).

Focus on Water and Power for Agricultural Growth

The Chief Minister said that immediately after the formation of the government, a comprehensive development roadmap was prepared with special emphasis on water and electricity, the two most critical requirements for agriculture. To ensure adequate water availability, key projects such as the Ram Jal Setu Link Project, Yamuna Water Agreement, Indira Gandhi Canal Project, Gang Canal, Mahi Dam, and Devas Project have been actively advanced.

On the power front, the government has set a clear target of providing daytime electricity to farmers by 2027, and consistent efforts are being made in this direction.

Additional ₹3,000 Annual Assistance to Farmers

Shri Sharma highlighted that in addition to the ₹6,000 annual assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, the Rajasthan government is providing an additional ₹3,000 per year under the Mukhyamantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme.

So far, ₹2,073 crore has been distributed to 72 lakh farmers in four installments. Over the past two years, the government has also sanctioned ₹921 crore in subsidies for the installation of more than 59,000 solar pump sets. Additionally, 17.3 lakh soil health cards have been distributed to help farmers improve soil productivity.

To connect farmers directly with exporters and retail supply chains, 913 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) have been registered. The state has also promoted rainwater harvesting by constructing over 35,000 farm ponds, providing subsidies exceeding ₹300 crore. More than 34,000 kilometers of farm fencing has been completed with grants worth over ₹377 crore.

Rising Farm Income and Global Recognition of Local Products

The Chief Minister stated that the government is committed to increasing farmers’ incomes and ensuring better market access for their produce. Under the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme–2024, agriculture and allied industries have been included among sectors eligible for various incentives.

The state has supported the construction of 3,229 onion storage warehouses, providing subsidies of nearly ₹45 crore. To give Rajasthan’s local products international recognition, Sojat Mehndi and Nagauri Ashwagandha have already received GI tags. The GI tagging process is underway for Nagauri Pan Methi, Ker, Sangri, Bikaneri Moth Beans, Baran Garlic, and Marwari Kachri.

The Chief Minister also urged farmers to use chemical fertilizers judiciously to maintain soil fertility and promote sustainable agriculture.

Empowering Livestock Rearers Through Targeted Schemes

Highlighting initiatives for livestock rearers, Shri Sharma said that several important decisions have been taken to strengthen the animal husbandry sector. The Mukhyamantri Mangala Pashu Bima Yojana has been launched to protect livestock owners from losses due to untimely animal deaths. Under this scheme, over 12 lakh animals have been insured free of cost.

To ensure doorstep veterinary care, mobile veterinary services have been introduced, through which around 60 lakh animals have been treated using 536 mobile units. The number of free medicines available for animal treatment has been increased from 138 to 200.

Support for Dairy Farmers and Gaushalas

The Chief Minister said that the Rajasthan Cooperative Gopal Credit Card Scheme is creating new income opportunities for farmers and livestock rearers. Under the Mukhyamantri Dugdh Utpadak Sambal Yojana, dairy producers are being given a subsidy of ₹5 per litre of milk. So far, more than ₹1,300 crore has been paid to over 5 lakh milk producers.

The government is also providing daily grants to registered gaushalas—₹50 per day for large cattle and ₹25 per day for small cattle. To date, gaushalas have received ₹3,432 crore in financial assistance.

Shri Sharma noted with pride that under the Gopal Ratna Award 2025, Rajasthan has received the highest number of national awards (three) in the country.

Suggestions to Shape the Upcoming State Budget

Farmers, livestock rearers, and dairy union representatives from across the state expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for the government’s farmer-friendly policies. They offered suggestions such as promoting low-cost, high-income crops, encouraging organic farming, and further empowering women farmers.

The Chief Minister assured that all constructive and positive suggestions would be considered for inclusion in the upcoming state budget.

The meeting was attended by Rajasthan Farmers Commission Chairman Shri C.R. Chaudhary, Additional Chief Secretary (Water Resources) Shri Abhay Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary (CMO) Shri Akhil Arora, Principal Secretary Finance Shri Vaibhav Galaria, Principal Secretary Agriculture and Horticulture Smt. Manju Rajpal, senior officials, and a large number of farmers, livestock rearers, and dairy union representatives.

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