Amid concerns over El Niño, uneven monsoon rainfall and rising global fertilizer prices, the Central Government has stepped up preparations for the Rabi 2026 season, focusing on fertilizer availability, crop planning, water management, diversification and farmer income protection. Speaking at the National Agriculture Conference–Rabi Campaign 2026, Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the Centre and state governments were working together to ensure that farmers receive timely support in the event of adverse weather conditions and natural calamities.
The changing crop pattern has emerged as one of the key features of the current agricultural season. According to the available data, the area under paddy has declined by around 1.632 million hectares (16.32 lakh hectares). Some reduction has also been reported in the area under maize, soybean and cotton. At the same time, acreage under crops such as urad, pearl millet, sorghum, sesame, sunflower and pigeon pea (tur) has increased. The shift indicates a greater focus on pulses, oilseeds and millets, particularly in regions where water availability is limited, or rainfall patterns remain uncertain.
Preliminary information indicates that approximately 6.11 lakh hectares of crop area has been affected by heavy rainfall, floods or drought-like conditions across Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat. A detailed scientific assessment of crop losses is being undertaken in the affected areas. The findings will help determine the assistance and relief measures required for farmers facing losses due to adverse weather conditions.
Fertiliser availability remains a major concern amid elevated prices and supply uncertainties in international markets. According to the government, states have projected a requirement of around 380 lakh metric tonnes of fertilisers for the 2026–27 Rabi season, including DAP, urea and NPK. Against this demand, more than 163 lakh metric tonnes of fertiliser stock is currently available, compared with around 122 lakh metric tonnes during the corresponding period last year. The government has indicated that efforts are being made to maintain adequate supplies throughout the Rabi season and avoid disruptions during the critical sowing period.
Soil Testing Helps Cut Fertilizer Consumption by 27%:
The government is also promoting more balanced and scientific fertiliser use. During the Kharif season, a pilot programme was implemented in two districts each across major states, where farmers were advised on fertiliser application based on soil test results and crop requirements. According to the figures presented at the conference, the initiative resulted in a 27% reduction in overall fertiliser consumption in the participating districts and generated estimated savings of more than ₹1,400 crore. The approach aims to reduce unnecessary fertilizer use while improving nutrient management and supporting more efficient farm input use.
Central Teams to Assess Crop Loss in Disaster-Hit Areas:
To assess the impact of extreme weather on agriculture, central teams are being prepared to visit affected states. Based on requests from Karnataka and Maharashtra, central teams are scheduled to conduct field assessments in affected areas on October 3. The Agriculture Minister has also indicated that he will visit affected states to review the situation. The field-level assessments are expected to provide a clearer picture of crop damage and help determine the appropriate response for affected farmers.
PM-AASHA Procurement to Support Farmers if Market Prices Fall Below MSP:
The government has also highlighted measures to strengthen procurement of pulses and oilseeds under PM-AASHA. Under the proposed mechanism, if market prices fall below the Minimum Support Price (MSP), central nodal agencies NAFED and NCCF may begin procurement directly from farmers in mandis without waiting for state agencies to initiate the process. State agencies can subsequently join the procurement operation.
The objective is to make procurement more responsive to market conditions and reduce the risk of farmers being forced to sell their produce at significantly lower prices during periods of market weakness.
More Than ₹7,000 Crore Released to States under RKVY and Krishonnati Yojana:
The Centre has also stressed timely financial support to states under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and Krishonnati Yojana. According to the information shared, more than ₹4,000 crore had previously been released to states, followed by an additional release of over ₹3,000 crore recently. Together, the two releases amount to more than ₹7,000 crore transferred to states. The funds are intended to support state-level agricultural programmes and help strengthen implementation of agriculture and farmer-oriented initiatives.
Focus on Crop Diversification and Water-Efficient Agriculture:
With rainfall distribution becoming increasingly uneven in several regions, the government is encouraging farmers in water-stressed areas to reconsider crop choices. Instead of crops requiring comparatively higher quantities of water, farmers are being encouraged to consider pulses, oilseeds and millets, depending on local soil, moisture and water availability. The broader objective is to align crop planning with available natural resources while reducing weather-related agricultural risks.
Rabi Strategy Focuses on Input Security and Farmer Protection:
The Rabi 2026 strategy brings together several components from fertilizer availability and scientific nutrient management to crop diversification, disaster assessment and market intervention. With more than 163 lakh metric tonnes of fertiliser stock currently reported, a proposed mechanism for faster procurement below MSP, and increased attention to water-efficient crops, the government is seeking to prepare the agricultural sector for the challenges posed by uncertain weather and volatile input and commodity markets.
FAQs:
1. How much fertilizer stock is available for Rabi 2026?
More than 163 lakh metric tonnes of fertilizer stock is currently available, according to the government.
2. Which crops are being encouraged during Rabi 2026?
Pulses, oilseeds and millets are being encouraged in areas where water availability is limited, depending on local conditions.
3. How much crop area has been affected by weather events?
Preliminary information indicates that around 6.11 lakh hectares of crop area has been affected.
4. What happens if market prices fall below MSP?
Under the proposed PM-AASHA mechanism, NAFED and NCCF may start procurement directly from farmers when market prices fall below MSP.
5. How much fertilizer consumption was reduced through soil testing?
The pilot programme reportedly reduced overall fertilizer consumption by 27% in participating districts.
