The Regional Agriculture Conference held in Jaipur has laid out a forward-looking roadmap for the future of Indian agriculture. Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized that the country will now be divided into distinct agro-climatic zones, with tailored strategies for each state. The initiative aims to make farming more scientific, profitable, and aligned with local conditions.
The conference brought together scientists, agricultural experts, progressive farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), NAFED, and various institutions across the value chain. Going forward, India will be divided into five major agro-climatic zones, with dedicated regional conferences for each. Crop selection, seed varieties, and farming practices will be customized based on local climate, soil, and resource availability.
The proposed Farmer ID system is expected to be a game-changer for the agriculture sector. It will streamline the distribution of fertilizers, seeds, crop insurance, and compensation, ensuring transparency and targeted delivery. Farmers will receive benefits directly based on their land and crop details, helping curb black marketing and the circulation of counterfeit inputs. Tenant farmers will also be able to access these benefits with the consent of landowners.
National Edible Oil Mission Oilseeds, India recorded a historic production of 42.989 million tonnes in 2024–25, up from 39.669 million tonnes in the previous year. Productivity also improved significantly, reaching 1,412 kg per hectare. The government now aims to expand the cultivation area from 29 million hectares to 33 million hectares and boost production to 69.7 million tonnes.
To achieve self-reliance in oilseeds, the government has allocated ₹10,103 crore. This investment will support farmers with improved seeds, advanced technology, irrigation facilities, processing infrastructure, and better market access ultimately increasing incomes and reducing dependence on imports.
The Pulses Mission focuses on enhancing seed production, fast-tracking the adoption of new varieties, and expanding the network of dal mills. The government aims to ensure 100% procurement from willing farmers. Financial incentives for seed production are also being provided to improve the availability of high-quality seeds.
‘Lab to Land’ Model Gains Momentum:
Around 16,000 scientists will be deployed under the ‘Lab to Land’ initiative to directly connect research with farmers. This will help transfer modern agricultural technologies and innovations to the field level. The government is also promoting natural farming and integrated agricultural systems, while taking strict action against fake agricultural inputs.
Focus on Increasing Farmers’ Income:
Beyond boosting production, the government is prioritizing farmers’ income growth. Emphasis is being placed on value addition, processing, and efficient marketing systems to ensure better price realization. These steps are expected to protect farmers from distress sales and create a more stable and profitable agricultural ecosystem.
FAQs:
Q1. What is the Regional Agriculture Conference Jaipur?
It is a national-level conference focused on planning the future of Indian agriculture with region-specific strategies.
Q2. What are agro-climatic zones?
These are regions classified based on climate, soil, and water conditions to improve crop planning.
Q3. What is Farmer ID?
Farmer ID is a system to provide transparent and direct delivery of government benefits to farmers.
Q4. What is the goal of the Oilseed Mission?
To increase production, reduce imports, and make India self-reliant in edible oils.
Q5. How will farmers benefit from this roadmap?
Farmers will get better technology, improved seeds, fair prices, and increased income opportunities.
