Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, is scheduled to visit West Bengal on July 13–14, 2026, to review key agriculture and rural development initiatives and hold discussions with state leadership, farmers, scientists, and women’s self-help groups.
According to the official programme, the Union Minister will meet West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari in Kolkata to discuss issues related to agriculture, farmers’ welfare, rural infrastructure, housing, employment, and Centre–State cooperation in rural development.
A high-level review meeting will be held on July 14 at the New Secretariat Building in Kolkata. The meeting will include senior officials from the Government of India, the Government of West Bengal, the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, the Ministry of Rural Development, and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
The review will cover the implementation and progress of several major government programmes, including PM-KISAN, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, Minimum Support Price (MSP) operations, Viksit Bharat–G RAM G initiatives, rural housing programmes, rural road development projects, and funding support for Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Officials are also expected to discuss strategies for strengthening agricultural growth, improving rural infrastructure, and enhancing the effectiveness of farmer welfare initiatives across the state.
As part of the visit, Shri Chouhan will travel to the ICAR–Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres (CRIJAF) in Barrackpore, where he will interact directly with jute farmers and women associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
The interaction will focus on challenges faced by jute growers, including retting processes, water availability, pest and disease management, production costs, and market-related issues. Discussions will also explore ways to improve farmers’ participation in the jute value chain and strengthen income opportunities.
Scientists from ICAR-CRIJAF will present improved jute varieties and demonstrate technologies related to modern retting methods, water conservation, processing, and marketing. Women from Self-Help Groups will also be introduced to opportunities in jute-based value-added products and rural entrepreneurship.
The visit reflects the government’s focus on reviewing agricultural programmes at the ground level while engaging directly with farmers, researchers, and rural communities to better understand sector-specific challenges and opportunities.
Access to Agricultural Information and Market Awareness
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Reference by: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2284066®=48&lang=1
