The Lok Sabha on Sunday approved the demands for grants for the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare for the financial year 2026-27 after an extensive discussion on the state of Indian agriculture, government initiatives and farmers’ welfare. During the debate, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan outlined the government’s achievements over the past decade, while opposition members raised concerns over farmers’ incomes and the demand for a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
Government Highlights Growth in Agriculture
Replying to the discussion, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the government remains committed to ensuring food security, increasing farmers’ incomes and providing nutritious food to the country’s population. He noted that the agriculture budget has witnessed a significant rise over the years, increasing from ₹21,933 crore in 2013-14 to more than ₹1.30 lakh crore in the current financial year.
The minister credited the Narendra Modi-led government with adopting policies aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and improving farmers’ welfare. According to him, India has achieved record production levels in foodgrains as well as horticultural crops.
He said foodgrain production has increased from 265 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 357 million tonnes, while horticulture output has risen from 277 million tonnes to 370 million tonnes. Record production has also been registered in paddy, wheat, maize, groundnut and soybean.
India Becomes Top Rice Producer
Highlighting India’s global agricultural standing, Chouhan stated that the country has overtaken China to become the world’s largest rice producer. He added that the government has simultaneously focused on lowering cultivation costs while ensuring farmers receive remunerative prices for their produce.
The minister also underlined the government’s continued support through direct income transfers and subsidies. Under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, he said, more than ₹4.27 lakh crore has been transferred directly to farmers through 22 instalments, providing financial assistance to millions of farming families across the country.
Fertiliser Subsidy and Agricultural Credit Expanded
Addressing concerns over input costs, Chouhan said the government has consistently increased fertiliser subsidies while maintaining stable prices for key fertilisers. He pointed out that a bag of urea continues to be available at ₹266 despite rising global prices.
According to the minister, fertiliser subsidy has grown from ₹18,460 crore in 2005-06 to over ₹1.77 lakh crore. He also highlighted the sharp increase in institutional agricultural credit, which has expanded from ₹7.3 lakh crore in 2014 to ₹28 lakh crore.
The government has also broadened the scope of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, extending its benefits beyond crop farming to animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries, thereby supporting diversified rural livelihoods.
MSP and Procurement Figures Highlighted
On the issue of Minimum Support Price, Chouhan said the present government implemented the decision to fix MSP at least 50 per cent above the cost of production in 2019. He contrasted this with the previous UPA government’s policies, claiming that such a provision had not been implemented earlier.
The minister also presented procurement figures to underline the government’s support for farmers. He said paddy procurement increased from about 45 crore metric tonnes during the UPA period to over 84 crore metric tonnes under the NDA government. Similarly, pulse procurement rose from around six lakh metric tonnes to nearly two crore metric tonnes.
He further informed the House that the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed around 3,356 new seed varieties aimed at enhancing crop productivity and strengthening India’s agricultural resilience.
Opposition Seeks Legal MSP Guarantee
Opening the discussion, Congress member Amrinder Singh Raja Warring described farmers as the backbone of India’s economy and food security system. He urged the government to enact legislation guaranteeing MSP for agricultural produce, saying farmers deserve assured returns for their hard work.
BJP member Konda Vishweshwar Reddy praised the government’s agricultural policies, stating that agriculture represents India’s cultural identity and economic stability. He said rice production has grown substantially since 2014 and highlighted initiatives promoting organic farming, increasing exports and expanding budgetary support for the sector.
Members from several opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress, DMK, Samajwadi Party, NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT), also participated in the debate, raising issues related to farmers’ welfare, agricultural pricing and rural development.
With the approval of the demands for grants, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare will now have the financial backing to implement its programmes and schemes for 2026-27, even as discussions over farm reforms, MSP and rural prosperity continue to remain central to India’s agricultural policy agenda.
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]
