Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Bhagirath Choudhary, addressed allegations of receiving a Rs 99.03 lakh subsidy for his cucumber farming project under a government scheme. He stated that the process adhered to guidelines and expressed willingness to provide necessary documents upon request.
A report by The Indian Express revealed that Choudhary obtained the subsidy approximately three months ago through a scheme under the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. The project received approval from the National Horticulture Board, where Choudhary serves as the ex-officio Vice-President.
Choudhary, emphasizing his agricultural involvement, disclosed details of his polyhouse project and the construction of four farm ponds for rainwater storage. He clarified that he had followed prescribed procedures, including securing a bank loan, and displayed information at the project site to encourage modern farming practices.
The Minister highlighted the importance of farmers embracing new techniques for progress, emphasizing transparency in his subsidy utilization. He outlined the timeline of project implementation, from polyhouse installation to subsequent subsidy receipt, and affirmed readiness to share all relevant information publicly.
The initiative promoting commercial farming of specific vegetables and flowers falls under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), overseen by the National Horticulture Board. Choudhary’s cucumber cultivation project, among 467 approved in 2025, aligns with the scheme aimed at enhancing commercial horticulture through production and post-harvest management.
