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IndiAgri Bureau
New Delhi:
The Centre has intensified preparations for the upcoming Kharif season, with Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan outlining a broad roadmap focused on food security, climate-resilient agriculture, digital farming, and farmer income enhancement.
Addressing a press conference at the PUSA campus in New Delhi on Thursday, the minister said the government’s top priorities remain ensuring food security, improving farmers’ livelihoods, and providing nutritious food to citizens.
A two-day National Kharif Campaign Conference 2026 is being held on May 28 and 29 at the NASC Complex in Pusa, bringing together agriculture ministers, scientists, senior officials, representatives of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), states, Union Territories, and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
Calling the gathering “Team Agriculture,” Chouhan said agriculture development requires active participation from states, scientists, policymakers, and farmer organisations.
He said discussions during the conference will focus on Kharif and Rabi crop preparedness, availability of quality seeds, and implementation of agricultural missions at the grassroots level.
According to the minister, virtual consultations with states had already been conducted before the conference, allowing states to arrive with detailed preparedness plans and region-specific concerns.
The conference has also been expanded from a one-day to a two-day format to allow more detailed discussions with states.
Highlighting India’s diverse agro-climatic conditions, the minister said regional-level agriculture conferences are now being prioritised.
He informed that regional conferences have already been organised in Jaipur, Lucknow, and Bhubaneswar, while additional meetings for the Northeast and southern states are planned soon.
“Agricultural conditions vary significantly from one region to another. Smaller regional discussions help identify local problems and practical solutions more effectively,” Chouhan said.
He added that the government is considering organising consultations based on eight agro-climatic zones identified by ICAR to make schemes more effective at the grassroots level.
The minister announced that India has achieved record foodgrain production during 2025-26.
According to official estimates, total foodgrain production has reached 376.563 million tonnes, around 18.8 million tonnes higher than the previous year.
Rice production has touched 154.024 million tonnes, making India the world’s largest rice producer ahead of China, the minister claimed.
Wheat production has reached 120.657 million tonnes, while maize output stands at 55.092 million tonnes, both record levels.
The government also reported strong growth in oilseed production. Total oilseed output is estimated at 43.059 million tonnes, with groundnut production at 13.074 million tonnes and rapeseed-mustard production at 13.768 million tonnes.
Pulse production has also improved, with the government aiming for further growth in the coming years.
The Centre said self-reliance in pulses and edible oils remains a key priority.
Separate missions for pulses and oilseeds are being implemented, with discussions focusing on improving seed quality, increasing seed replacement rates, demonstrations, and strengthening processing infrastructure.
The minister also highlighted the rapid expansion of the horticulture sector and said deliberations would include the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture and the Cotton Mission.
Chouhan described climate change as one of the biggest challenges facing Indian agriculture.
He pointed to rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, floods, and prolonged dry spells as growing threats to farm productivity.
The conference will deliberate on measures to make farming safer and more sustainable, including natural farming, balanced fertiliser use, Soil Health Cards, and integrated farming systems.
The minister said excessive fertiliser use due to lack of awareness remains a concern and stressed the need for balanced nutrient application.
Special emphasis is also being placed on improving the incomes of small and marginal farmers through integrated farming models and better utilisation of limited landholdings.
The conference is also reviewing issues related to agricultural finance, post-harvest management, crop risk protection, and access to Kisan Credit Cards.
The minister noted that agricultural credit distribution remains uneven across states and said improved financing would help farmers adopt better farming practices.
Discussions are also underway on the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, PM-AASHA scheme, digital agriculture initiatives, Farmer ID systems, and strengthening Farmer Producer Organisations.
On the second day of the conference, state agriculture ministers will participate in thematic presentations and discussions aimed at preparing a joint Kharif roadmap for the coming crop season.
The Centre also said detailed deliberations would take place on the “Khet Bachao Abhiyan,” with coordinated efforts planned between the Centre and states.
