Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has called for a time-bound, result-oriented and farmer-centric approach to accelerate India’s agricultural growth, stressing that policy support, innovation and collective commitment are essential for the sector’s future. Addressing the second day of the National Agriculture Conference–Kharif Campaign 2026 at Pusa in New Delhi, he described the gathering as a historic platform that reflected the spirit of “Team India” working together for agricultural advancement.
The conference, organised by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, brought together agriculture ministers from several states, senior government officials, scientists, agricultural experts and progressive farmers. Union Ministers of State for Agriculture Ramnath Thakur and Bhagirath Choudhary also attended the event along with representatives from across the country.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the conference showcased a “Mini India” united by a shared commitment to farmer welfare, food security and agricultural development. He noted that active involvement of state ministers would help ensure faster implementation of agricultural programmes and deliver tangible results on the ground.
Highlighting the country’s achievements, the Union Minister said India has recorded its highest-ever food-grain production. According to the third advance estimates, total food-grain output has reached approximately 376.56 million tonnes. He credited the achievement to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the efforts of farmers, scientific research and cooperation between the Centre and states. He also pointed out that India has emerged as the world’s leading rice producer while making significant progress in wheat, maize, pulses and oilseeds production.
Despite these accomplishments, Chouhan said India must continue strengthening food and nutritional security while making agriculture more profitable for farmers. He emphasised that agriculture is not merely an economic activity but the backbone of the nation and should be treated as a mission.
The minister urged states to closely monitor the implementation of major initiatives such as the Pulses Mission, Oilseeds Mission and Cotton Mission. He also called upon scientists to undertake practical, demand-driven research and focus on developing short-duration, high-yield crop varieties, particularly for pulses, soybean and oilseed crops.
Expressing concern over delays in seed distribution, Chouhan stressed that quality seeds are fundamental to agricultural productivity. He directed states to ensure timely lifting and distribution of breeder and certified seeds and warned against the sale of poor-quality seeds. He informed participants that a national seed reserve system has been established to provide emergency support during adverse conditions.
The Union Minister also highlighted the importance of Soil Health Cards, balanced fertiliser use and Farmer IDs. He said Soil Health Cards should be actively utilised to guide farmers on nutrient management and fertiliser application. Under the “Khet Bachao Abhiyan,” scheduled from June 1 to June 30, awareness campaigns will be conducted across villages involving public representatives, scientists, officials and farmers.
On agricultural credit, Chouhan said easy access to finance remains crucial for increasing farm profitability. He acknowledged disparities in credit availability across regions and announced that discussions with banks would be held to improve credit flow, especially in eastern and northeastern states. He also urged state governments to expedite pending Kisan Credit Card applications.
The minister emphasised effective utilisation of farm machinery and called for greater transparency in the functioning of Custom Hiring Centres. He also highlighted the vast potential of horticulture and stressed the need to focus on export-quality production.
Taking a strong stand against counterfeit agricultural inputs, Chouhan described fake seeds and substandard pesticides as a threat to both farmers and the nation. He urged states to intensify inspections, strengthen testing facilities and ensure strict action against offenders.
He further stressed the importance of timely crop insurance settlements and better procurement systems for pulses and oilseeds to encourage farmers to diversify cultivation. Highlighting the role of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Krishi Vigyan Kendras and agricultural universities, he called for stronger collaboration to promote innovation and technology adoption.
Concluding the conference, Chouhan urged states to prepare agriculture roadmaps suited to their local conditions. Reaffirming the Centre’s support, he said governance reforms should ultimately improve the lives of farmers. Expressing confidence in India’s agricultural future, he said the country is poised not only to meet domestic demand but also to emerge as a global leader in food-grains, fruits, vegetables, pulses and oilseeds production.
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
