Union Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan is in West Bengal for a two-day visit. He will meet with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to discuss agricultural and rural development issues. Chouhan will also engage directly with jute farmers and women from Self-Help Groups.
Chouhan arrived in Kolkata on Monday evening and went straight to the Chief Minister’s residence. A dinner meeting between the two leaders will focus on enhancing cooperation between the Centre and the State. Topics of discussion include agriculture, farmers’ welfare schemes, rural infrastructure, housing, and employment opportunities.
Tomorrow, a high-level review meeting is scheduled at the New Secretariat Building in Kolkata. The Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, state officials, and senior officers from the Government of India will attend. The Union Minister is accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, the Ministry of Rural Development, and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
During the meeting, the Central team will provide updates on major flagship programs such as PM-KISAN, Fasal Bima Yojana, Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, and Minimum Support Price operations. Discussions will also focus on rural infrastructure, housing initiatives, and funds allocated to Panchayati Raj Institutions. The agenda includes planning for future agricultural growth and rural development in the state.
Later, Chouhan will visit the ICAR–Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres in Barrackpore. He will engage with jute farmers to understand their challenges in cultivation and discuss ways to improve their position in the jute value chain. Scientists will showcase improved jute varieties and modern techniques, while women from Self-Help Groups will explore opportunities in jute-based products and rural entrepreneurship.
