The Union government has set a foodgrain production target of 362.50 million tonnes for 2025–26, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced on Tuesday during the ‘National Agriculture Conference – Rabi Abhiyan 2025’ in Delhi.
Chouhan said the country produced 353.96 million tonnes of foodgrains in 2024–25, a 6.5 per cent increase over the previous year and 12.41 million tonnes above the set target. Record harvests were achieved in rice, wheat, maize, groundnut, and soybean.
Calling the Rabi Conference a true example of “One Nation – One Agriculture – One Team,” the minister said the two-day event allowed Centre and States to hold detailed discussions in six thematic groups, including climate resilience, quality agro-inputs, horticulture, natural farming, extension services, and coordination of central schemes.
He announced that State and Union Territory-specific roadmaps would be finalised through dedicated workshops, with a special push on boosting pulses and oilseeds productivity.
On the flood situation, Chouhan assured continued support to Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Assam, and Haryana, stating that the Centre would ensure timely disbursal of insurance benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.
The minister also noted that while 22.9 million metric tonnes of seeds are required for Rabi sowing, nearly 25 million tonnes are available. Fertiliser supply will be ensured in coordination with the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers.
Chouhan announced that the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ for Rabi crops will be launched from October 3, with over 2,000 teams of scientists and officials reaching villages to provide guidance to farmers under the Centre’s ‘Lab to Land’ initiative.
He also highlighted steps being taken against counterfeit agro-inputs, citing recent raids in Rajasthan and other States. “Strict action will continue against those selling spurious pesticides, seeds, and fertilisers,” he said.
