The kingdom’s Gross National Happiness philosophy, which places equal weight on economic progress and environmental stewardship, faces a practical test here.
Stakeholders are calling on the government to explore alternative trade corridors, diplomatic engagement to secure safe passage, and urgent financial support for exporters facing liquidity crunches.
Reiterating the government’s broader vision, Chouhan said that these initiatives collectively aim to build a system where farmers are not only assured of better income but are also protected against risks, thereby strengthening the foundation of a resilient and self-reliant agricultural sector in the country.
Cereal production for 2025 was revised upward to a record 3,029 million tonnes – a 5.6 per cent leap – bolstered by favourable monsoons in South America and Africa.
Food security is at stake in a nation self-sufficient in rice production. The unregulated market risks artificial shortages, where hoarding drives spikes despite ample harvests. Without intervention, experts warn of potential vulnerabilities to climate shocks or global disruptions, as the system lacks resilience.
In an era of interconnected global challenges, initiatives like this remind us that food security is a shared responsibility. As Sanjeev Chopra aptly put it, India is committed to ensuring “no one goes hungry,” a pledge that resonates far beyond its borders.
Farmer organisations have indicated that the February 12 protest could mark the beginning of a sustained campaign if their demands are not met or if the trade agreement proceeds without further consultation.
The statement crystallises a simple principle: climate justice is not charity. It is accountability. Communities in Sri Lanka still recovering from Ditwah, Pacific Island nations facing existential sea-level rise, African farmers confronting prolonged droughts and South Asian workers enduring extreme heat are not asking for handouts.
The Ministry of Rural Development has stated that the rules seek to institutionalise a citizen-centric, accessible and time-bound framework, thereby reinforcing the rights and entitlements of rural households under the scheme.
The statement crystallises a simple principle: climate justice is not charity. It is accountability. Communities in Sri Lanka still recovering from Ditwah, Pacific Island nations facing existential sea-level rise, African farmers confronting prolonged droughts and South Asian workers enduring extreme heat are not asking for handouts.
The decline in support follows the suspension of US assistance, which previously accounted for nearly half of the international funding directed toward Afghanistan’s healthcare.