**NEW DELHI:** Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Bhagirath Choudhary, defended his receipt of a government subsidy worth Rs 99 lakh for a cucumber farming project in Rajasthan. He stated that he had applied for the subsidy in 2018, prior to assuming ministerial office, and followed all necessary rules and procedures without any concealment.

Choudhary addressed the controversy surrounding his subsidy claim, which falls under a scheme managed by his own ministry. He asserted that he had complied with all regulations while utilizing the subsidy, similar to thousands of other farmers. “I am a farmer with a lifetime of experience in agriculture. I have made my actions transparent. Thousands of farmers benefit from such subsidies, and I did as well. I had officially applied for it in 2018 and have installed a board at my farm detailing all loans and subsidies received. Furthermore, I train local farmers in innovative methods and natural farming. Multiple local officials have visited my farm,” Choudhary stated while speaking to the news agency ANI.

His comments came in response to media reports suggesting that the Minister of State had obtained the subsidy through a central scheme of the National Horticulture Board, where he serves as the ex-officio vice-president due to his position.

Understanding the Central Scheme

The scheme in question, known as the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, was initiated in 2014-15 to foster large-scale commercial cultivation of selected vegetables and flowers. It provides subsidies covering up to 50% of the project cost, capped at Rs 1 crore per family, applicable to crops like cucumber, capsicum, and tomato, along with specific flower varieties.

Choudhary’s remarks highlight not only his commitment to agricultural practices but also underline the complexities surrounding the allocation of government subsidies, especially when they involve individuals in positions of power.