Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan Announces 362.5 MT Foodgrain Target – National Agriculture Conference

New Delhi: Chairing the National Agriculture Conference – Rabi Campaign 2025, Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, announced that the Central Government has set a foodgrain production target of 362.50 million tonnes for 2025–26. This is higher than last year’s target of 341.55 million tonnes.

The Minister informed that in 2024–25, the country’s total foodgrain production reached 353.96 million tonnes, an increase of 21.66 million tonnes (6.5%) compared to the previous year. Crops such as rice, wheat, maize, groundnut, and soybean recorded bumper harvests, with overall output exceeding the set target by 12.41 million tonnes.

Key Focus Areas Discussed at the Conference:

The two-day conference witnessed detailed deliberations on six critical themes for agricultural growth:

1. Climate-resilient farming
2. Quality seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides
3. Horticulture development
4. Promotion of natural farming
5. Strengthening extension services and the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras
6. Improved coordination of centrally sponsored schemes

Shri Chouhan announced that state and UT-specific roadmaps will now be prepared through dedicated workshops, with a strong emphasis on boosting the productivity of pulses and oilseeds.

Government Initiatives for Farmers:

• Horticulture Growth: Production of fruits and vegetables has also shown a notable increase compared to last year.
• Support to Flood-Affected States: Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Assam, and parts of Haryana have been severely affected by floods. The Centre has assured full support and timely assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.
• Seed and Fertiliser Supply: Against the requirement of 22.9 million metric tonnes of seed for Rabi sowing, nearly 25 million metric tonnes are available. The Minister added that despite increased demand due to higher sowing areas after good rainfall, fertilisers will be supplied in full, in coordination with the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers.

Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan:

The Minister announced that, as in the previous year, the “Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan” will be launched from October 3. More than 2,000 teams of scientists and agricultural experts will visit villages to provide farmers with guidance and technical knowledge. This initiative will further strengthen Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for a “Lab to Land” approach.

Crackdown on Spurious Agro-Inputs: Expressing concern over the sale of counterfeit seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides, Shri Chouhan highlighted recent raids in Rajasthan and other states. He affirmed that the Centre and States will continue coordinated action to curb the menace of spurious agro-inputs and ensure farmers’ safety.