Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan unveils coordinated Centre-state strategy, sanctions over ₹1,200 crore for 10 states, and launches awareness on free trade deals to boost farmer incomes and exports.

India’s agriculture sector is set for a coordinated national push aimed at transforming the country into a major global food supplier while safeguarding soil health and raising farmer incomes. Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan outlined the plan at the National Agriculture Conference – Rabi Campaign 2026, calling for a politics-free “Team Agriculture” approach involving the Centre, states, scientists and farmers.

Chouhan stressed that governments and political parties may change, but the nation and its farmers remain constant. He urged state agriculture ministers and officials to prioritise practical solutions over partisan considerations. The two-day conference in the national capital brought together Union Ministers of State for Agriculture Ram Nath Thakur and Bhagirath Choudhary, Agriculture Secretary Atish Chandra, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Director General M.L. Jat, state officials, scientists and institutional representatives.

Funding Boost for State Farm Schemes

At the conference, Chouhan handed over sanction letters exceeding ₹1,200 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) to 10 states. Allocations included ₹290 crore for West Bengal, ₹198 crore for Haryana, ₹181 crore for Chhattisgarh, ₹154 crore for Arunachal Pradesh, ₹114 crore for Bihar, ₹104 crore for Karnataka, ₹75 crore for Mizoram, ₹64 crore for Himachal Pradesh, ₹58 crore for Jharkhand and ₹43 crore for Punjab.

The minister emphasised that the Centre is moving beyond policy formulation to ensure timely resource flow so that schemes reach farmers without delay. This funding forms part of broader efforts to strengthen implementation at state and district levels.

Agriculture Growth and Production Gains

Chouhan highlighted measurable progress in the sector. India’s agricultural growth rate has risen from 3 per cent in 2015 to 4.5 per cent. The average annual increase in foodgrain production has more than doubled, from around 4 million tonnes earlier to 8.4 million tonnes a year. Rabi (winter crop) foodgrain production rose by 20.5 million tonnes between 2023-24 and 2025-26, attributed to the combined efforts of farmers, state departments, scientists and agricultural institutions.

These gains support India’s ambition to move beyond domestic food security toward becoming a reliable supplier for global markets, particularly as international demand for diverse, high-quality produce grows.

Coordinated Review Mechanisms Across Levels

To improve cooperative federalism and scheme delivery, the Centre will introduce monthly virtual review meetings with states. At the state level, a “State Agriculture Team” will include the agriculture minister, secretary, state agricultural universities, ICAR institutions, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (farm science centres), ATMA (Agricultural Technology Management Agency), Farmer Producer Organisations, progressive farmers, processors, exporters and Union government nodal officers.

District-level monthly meetings will involve collectors, deputy directors of agriculture, ATMA, KVKs, ICAR scientists, bankers and farmers. An annual calendar has been fixed for pre-season interface meetings: district-level sessions on 10 May and state-level on 17 May for the kharif (monsoon) campaign; and 10 September and 17 September respectively for the rabi campaign. A one-day national meeting of ministers, officials and scientists will also be held on a common date each year.

Khet Bachao Abhiyan to Protect Soil and Promote Sustainability

A nationwide “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” (Save the Farm Campaign) will run from 22 October to 30 November 2026, focusing on soil health and environmental sustainability. The drive will promote balanced fertiliser use based on Soil Health Cards, protect soil fertility and beneficial insects, and involve scientists and other stakeholders.

Chouhan also called for expanded cultivation of pulses in rice-fallow areas of eastern India, particularly Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha and West Bengal, after the paddy harvest. For the current rabi season, states were directed to base crop and improved seed recommendations on soil moisture and water availability, strengthen pest and disease protection, ensure full coverage of eligible farmers under Kisan Credit Cards, and conduct transparent Crop Cutting Experiments under the crop insurance scheme. State ministers were urged to personally review departmental schemes regularly.

Strict legal action was ordered against spurious seeds, fake fertilisers and sub-standard pesticides, along with elimination of forced tagging of agricultural inputs. Natural farming, integrated farming systems and crop diversification are to be promoted in “mission mode” to make agriculture more sustainable and remunerative. Related efforts on land records modernisation and drought management in southern states continue to feature in national agricultural discourse, as covered in ongoing reports on digital land frameworks and monsoon-related challenges.

Tapping Free Trade Agreements for Export Opportunities

The government is pursuing a multi-pronged strategy to secure better prices for farmers through strengthened post-harvest management, scientific warehousing and marketing systems. Full assured procurement of tur (pigeon pea), urad (black gram) and masoor (lentil) at Minimum Support Price will be undertaken, with payments to farmers within 48 hours, Chouhan said.

A key element is leveraging Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). Since 2014, India has signed nine FTAs, including one with New Zealand in April 2026. Several international markets now offer zero import duty access for Indian produce. However, farmers need clear information on demand patterns, quality standards and suitable crops, fruits and vegetables for export.

The Centre will launch an awareness campaign covering global market opportunities, FTA-covered products, export-quality requirements and recommended cultivation for overseas markets. States will also be briefed on region-specific benefits. Production of millets, fruits, vegetables and grains will be promoted to international standards so farmers can capitalize on these openings. This awareness component will be integrated into the Khet Bachao Abhiyan.

Chouhan said expanding market access in this way can deliver better returns to farmers while advancing India’s goal of emerging as a major global food basket. The strategy aligns with longer-term efforts to enhance self-reliance in pulses and oilseeds, improve value addition and connect research more closely to on-ground farmer needs.