Tag:Shivraj Singh Chouhan

The centre has sounded an alarm over the likely impact of El Niño on India's 2026 southwest monsoon, warning that 315 districts across 12 states could face significant rainfall deficits during the crucial kharif cropping season.

In a significant boost to global agricultural cooperation, agriculture ministers from BRICS nations concluded their two-day meeting here with the unanimous adoption of the “Indore Declaration.”

While buffers exist, the interplay of El Niño with other climatic factors underscores the growing importance of climate adaptation in India’s agriculture-dependent economy.

The “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” is more than an awareness drive – it is a clarion call to safeguard the foundation of India’s food security: its soils.

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.

By bringing advanced AI tools to the fields of millions of farmers, Bharat-Vistaar could emerge as a cornerstone of India’s digital agriculture infrastructure – fostering smarter, more resilient, and more prosperous farming communities across the country.

Bilateral trade reached $129 billion in 2024, with India enjoying a surplus. US agricultural imports from India rose, but concerns persist over subsidised US products undercutting Indian farmers. Agriculture employs about 42 per cent of India’s population, making it politically explosive – as seen in the 2021 farm law protests.

India Post’s extensive infrastructure – including over 1.5 lakh rural post offices, the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), and nearly 2.4 lakh Gramin Dak Sevaks – will serve as the backbone for last-mile delivery of integrated services.