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Shivraj Singh Chouhan announces mango processing units and expanded PM-KISAN coverage to support Tamil Nadu farmers affected by surplus production and falling prices.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited ICAR–KVK Vellore.
Govt to set up mango processing units.
PM-KISAN to cover all Tamil Nadu farmers.
Focus on pulses, natural farming, and PM-DDKY.
Farmers, Drone Didis, and officials attended event.
Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that the Centre will set up value-addition and processing units to help mango farmers affected by price drops due to overproduction. The Minister made this announcement during his visit to ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, on October 25, 2025, as part of his “One Agriculture - One Nation - One Team” initiative.
During his visit, Chouhan interacted with progressive farmers, women self-help groups (SHGs), and rural youth, reviewing the region’s agricultural progress. He praised the innovative work of KVK Vellore, especially the development of Wild Boar Repellent technology, which offers farmers an effective solution against crop damage caused by wild animals.
He also appreciated KVK’s role in promoting high-yielding pulse varieties such as VBN-8, VBN-10, and VBN-11 through the Seed Hub and Pulses Mission, helping boost productivity and income for local farmers.
The Minister listened to farmers issues, including challenges like pest and disease attacks on coconut crops, and assured that the Centre would take concrete measures to address them.
Responding to the decline in mango prices due to surplus production, Chouhan said the government is working to set up processing and value-addition units to stabilize prices and create local employment opportunities.
He also emphasized that all eligible farmers in Tamil Nadu would be linked to the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme to ensure maximum coverage and timely financial benefits.
In two separate ‘Chaupals’, Chouhan interacted with farmers from Virudhunagar, Sivaganga, Thoothukudi, and Ramanathapuram districts under the Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PM-DDKY). He highlighted that the scheme integrates 36 programmes from 11 central ministries, providing a comprehensive approach to agriculture, livestock, and fisheries development.
Chouhan said that this integrated model aims to empower farmers, boost productivity, and strengthen the rural economy through coordinated government efforts.
The Minister highlighted the importance of natural farming and the National Pulses Mission, emphasizing that the initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi aims to make India self-reliant in pulse production.
He assured that Tamil Nadu’s farmers would greatly benefit from advanced technologies, improved seed varieties, and stronger market linkages, helping them improve income and sustainability.
Expressing admiration for the farmers of Tamil Nadu, Chouhan said he was deeply inspired by their hard work, dedication, and rich cultural values. He promised to visit the state again soon to discuss and promote natural farming initiatives in greater detail.
The event saw the participation of top agricultural officials, including:
Dr. R. Tamizhvendan, Vice-Chancellor, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)
Dr. Shaik N. Meera, Director, ICAR-ATARI
Senior officers from various state departments
Hundreds of farmers, along with “Drone Didis” and “Lakhpati Didis” from self-help groups, also attended the programme, showcasing the growing role of women in modern agriculture and rural entrepreneurship.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s visit to Tamil Nadu reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to strengthening the farming community, enhancing value addition, and ensuring financial stability for farmers. By introducing processing units for mango farmers and expanding coverage under PM-KISAN and PM-DDKY, the government aims to build a more resilient and self-reliant agricultural ecosystem across India.