At International Agri Trade Fair, minister N Chaluvarayaswamy tells farmers to be entrepreneurs

Bengaluru: Agriculture Minister N Chaluvarayaswamy on Friday urged farmers to transition from traditional growers to become
entrepreneurs.

Speaking at the International Agricultural Trade Fair 2026 at the Palace Grounds, the minister unveiled a roadmap to link the farmlands with global markets and urban consumers. The three-day fair, themed ‘Agriculture Beyond Production’, serves as a bridge between farmers, financial institutions, and international buyers.

Highlighting the government’s push for value addition, Chaluvarayaswamy noted that record production alone is insufficient if it does not translate into financial security.

“Farmers must not only secure consistent returns but also become job creators. Our goal is to see them thrive as entrepreneurs, even within urban landscapes,” the minister said, addressing a gathering of farmers from 25 districts.

Providing details about the state government’s interventions over the last two years, the minister revealed that over Rs 6,000 crore in insurance claims have been settled.

To tackle the perennial labour shortage, the government has distributed farm machinery worth Rs 1,500 crore and established 450 High-Tech Harvest Hubs, he added. Emphasis has been laid on inclusive growth, with the minister highlighting special subsidies of Rs 50 lakh for SC/ST farmers to encourage high-tech mechanisation.

The fair features a diverse array of innovations, with a particular focus on millets and organic produce.

By facilitating direct interactions with banks and exporters, the state government aims to eliminate middlemen, potentially boosting farmer incomes four fold through better branding and packaging.