Reiterating the government’s broader vision, Chouhan said that these initiatives collectively aim to build a system where farmers are not only assured of better income but are also protected against risks, thereby strengthening the foundation of a resilient and self-reliant agricultural sector in the country.
Cereal production for 2025 was revised upward to a record 3,029 million tonnes – a 5.6 per cent leap – bolstered by favourable monsoons in South America and Africa.
Food security is at stake in a nation self-sufficient in rice production. The unregulated market risks artificial shortages, where hoarding drives spikes despite ample harvests. Without intervention, experts warn of potential vulnerabilities to climate shocks or global disruptions, as the system lacks resilience.
In an era of interconnected global challenges, initiatives like this remind us that food security is a shared responsibility. As Sanjeev Chopra aptly put it, India is committed to ensuring “no one goes hungry,” a pledge that resonates far beyond its borders.
Farmer organisations have indicated that the February 12 protest could mark the beginning of a sustained campaign if their demands are not met or if the trade agreement proceeds without further consultation.
Gulfood 2026, being held across the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai, serves as a crucial platform for global food industry stakeholders, policymakers, and businesses.
Over 30 exporters, nine importers and around 50 Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) from Assam participated in the conclave, reflecting growing interest in the region’s export potential.
Families that had built lives in Pakistan over decades now find themselves in refugee camps or on the streets of Kabul and other major cities, with no access to humanitarian aid.