The second day of the National Agriculture Conference – Rabi Campaign 2026 witnessed a renewed focus on coordinated Centre-State efforts, sustainable farming and measures to improve farmers’ incomes. Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan chaired the session, which was attended by Agriculture Ministers, senior officials, scientists and representatives of agricultural institutions from across the country.
Addressing the gathering, Chouhan called for a collective approach to agriculture, urging the Centre and states to work together as “Team Agriculture” to strengthen food security and improve farmers’ livelihoods. He emphasised that agricultural development should remain focused on practical solutions and the long-term interests of farmers.
During the conference, financial sanction letters amounting to more than ₹1,200 crore were handed over to Agriculture Ministers of 10 states under the Prime Minister Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY). West Bengal received ₹290 crore, followed by Haryana with ₹198 crore, Chhattisgarh ₹181 crore, Arunachal Pradesh ₹154 crore, Bihar ₹114 crore, Karnataka ₹104 crore, Mizoram ₹75 crore, Himachal Pradesh ₹64 crore, Jharkhand ₹58 crore and Punjab ₹43 crore.
The Minister said the Union Government was focusing not only on policy development but also on ensuring that states receive resources in time so that agricultural schemes can be implemented efficiently at the ground level.
Agriculture Growth Rate Reaches 4.5 Per Cent
Highlighting the performance of the agriculture sector, Chouhan said the agricultural growth rate has risen from 3 per cent in 2015 to 4.5 per cent. He also noted that the average annual growth in foodgrain production has increased significantly, from approximately 40 lakh tonnes earlier to 84 lakh tonnes.
According to the Minister, rabi foodgrain production increased by 205 lakh tonnes between 2023-24 and 2025-26. He credited the achievement to the combined efforts of farmers, state agriculture departments, scientists and other stakeholders.
Monthly Reviews to Strengthen Centre-State Coordination
To improve coordination and monitoring, the Agriculture Ministry will introduce regular monthly virtual review meetings with states. At the state level, a State Agriculture Team will bring together Agriculture Ministers, Agriculture Secretaries, agricultural universities, ICAR institutions, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, ATMA, Farmer Producer Organisations, progressive farmers, processors, exporters and concerned central government officials.
Similar monthly meetings will be conducted at the district level, involving Collectors, agriculture officials, KVKs, ICAR scientists, bankers and farmers.
The Minister also announced a fixed annual calendar for pre-season agriculture meetings. District-level Kharif meetings will be held on May 10 and state-level meetings on May 17, while corresponding Rabi meetings will take place on September 10 and September 17 each year.
Khet Bachao Abhiyan to Promote Soil Health
A nationwide “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” will be conducted from October 22 to November 30. The campaign will promote balanced fertiliser use based on Soil Health Cards and encourage practices aimed at preserving soil fertility and beneficial insects.
The Minister also urged states to expand pulse cultivation in rice-fallow areas of eastern India, particularly in Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha and West Bengal.
Focus on Rabi Preparedness and Farmer Protection
For the ongoing rabi season, states have been advised to select crops and improved seed varieties according to soil moisture and water availability. Authorities have also been asked to strengthen crop protection against pests and diseases, ensure eligible farmers receive Kisan Credit Cards and conduct transparent Crop Cutting Experiments under crop insurance schemes.
Chouhan directed states to take strict action against fake fertilisers, spurious seeds and sub-standard pesticides. He also called for an end to forced tagging of agricultural inputs and encouraged wider adoption of natural farming, integrated farming systems and crop diversification.
The government is simultaneously pursuing measures to improve returns from agricultural produce through better post-harvest infrastructure, scientific warehousing and stronger marketing systems. The Minister said 100 per cent assured procurement of tur, urad and masoor at Minimum Support Price would be undertaken, with payment arrangements targeted within 48 hours.
He further highlighted the potential of international Free Trade Agreements to create new markets for Indian agricultural commodities, fruits, vegetables and foodgrains. The broader objective, he said, is to strengthen farmers’ incomes while positioning India as a major food supplier to global markets.
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Author: Shivam
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