Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan today announced at a press conference during the ‘National Agriculture Conference – Rabi Abhiyan 2025’ in Delhi that the Central government has set a production target of 362.50 million tonnes for 2025–26, up from 341.55 million tonnes last year.

Addressing the media, Shri Chouhan said that the country’s total foodgrain production reached 353.96 million tonnes in 2024–25, an increase of 21.66 million tonnes (6.5%) over the previous year. The country achieved record harvests in key crops like rice, wheat, maize, groundnut, and soybean. This output was 12.41 million tonnes higher than the set target of 341.55 million tonnes.

He said the Rabi Conference is a successful example of achieving the vision of ‘One Nation – One Agriculture – One Team’. It provides a platform for agriculture ministers and senior officials from different States and UTs to engage in in-depth deliberations. He added that earlier the Rabi Conference used to be a one-day event, but this time it was extended to two days to allow more detailed discussions. Shri Chouhan stressed that the Centre and States have come together to work jointly for comprehensive agricultural development.

On the first day of the conference, senior agricultural officials from the Centre and States held discussions in six thematic groups. Shri Chouhan said that State/UT-specific roadmaps will now be finalised through dedicated workshops.

The six major themes discussed during the two-day conference were: climate resilience; quality seeds, fertilisers and pesticides; horticulture; natural farming; effective extension services and the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras; and coordination of centrally sponsored schemes. Detailed deliberations were also held on boosting pulses and oilseeds productivity and on integrated farming systems.

The Union Minister said that along with foodgrain output, fruit and vegetable production has also seen a significant rise this year compared to the previous year. The Centre and States will continue their coordinated efforts to ensure agricultural growth and farmers’ welfare.

Discussing the flood situation, Shri Chouhan said that the government is making every possible effort to assist those affected. He mentioned that Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Assam, and parts of Haryana have been particularly impacted. The Centre will leave no stone unturned in supporting these States/UTs, the Minister said, adding that efforts are being made to ensure timely and adequate disbursal of insurance benefits to farmers for those covered under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.

On seed availability, the Minister said that 22.9 million metric tonnes of seed are required for Rabi sowing, but nearly 25 million metric tonnes are already available. On fertiliser and nutrient supply, he noted that rainfall and other factors often cause changes in crop patterns. This year, good rainfall has led to increased sown area, which could raise demand for fertilisers. He assured that fertilisers will be supplied in totality as per the demand from States, in coordination with the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers.

Shri Chouhan announced that like last year, the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ will be launched again from October 3 for Rabi crops. Over 2,000 teams of scientists will visit villages to provide farmers with timely knowledge and guidance. These teams will include officials from central and state agriculture departments, scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and representatives from agricultural universities, Farmer Producer Organisations, and progressive farmers. Responding to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s call, this effort will once again strengthen the ‘Lab to Land’ initiative of the Centre.

The Agriculture Minister further stated that while India’s production of rice and wheat is already at global levels, there is a need for greater focus on pulses and oilseeds. A roadmap will be developed to enhance yields, with special emphasis on per-hectare productivity. Crop-wise reviews are also being conducted — large-scale meetings have already been held for cotton and soybean. Concrete steps will follow to increase output of Rabi crops and other key commodities.

Commenting on the issue of counterfeit agro-inputs, Shri Chouhan highlighted ongoing State-level action against sellers of spurious pesticides, seeds, and fertilisers. He also cited recent raids in Rajasthan and other States to fight this issue, which have had a major impact. Going forward, the Centre and States will work together to take strict action against such offenders, he said.

The press conference was also attended by Agriculture Ministers of various States and UTs, Agriculture Secretary Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, and Dr. M. L. Jat, Director General of ICAR.

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RC/KSR/AR