On May 28 ,Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan spoke about preparations for kharif crop season,and main focus seems very clear.
He said 'Team Agriculture' is giving priority to self-reliance in pulses and oilseeds . And that is not small thing ah,because India keeps talking about farmers' income and food security,but pulses and oilseeds are still areas where pressure is always there .
This two-day conclave has state agriculture ministers,scientists and senior officials from across India sitting together to discuss strategy for upcoming kharif season . Chouhan also said agriculture is mainly state subject,but Centre and states need to work together if results have to improve .
And tbh,that point makes sense . Farming problems do not stop at state borders. Weather,seed quality,fertilizer use,market pressure… farmer faces everything together only .
Few things standing out from this conclave:
- Estimated food grain production reached historic 3,765.63 lakh tonnes in 2025-26,surpassing last year's figures .
- Separate missions have been set up to improve production of pulses and oilseeds .
- Climate change and erratic weather patterns are being discussed as serious farming challenges .
Chouhan also spoke about better seed varieties and increasing seed replacement rate . This part may sound technical,but for farmer it is very direct. If seed quality is poor,whole season can go sideways before crop even properly starts.
Integrated Development of Horticulture and Cotton Mission also came up as discussion points . Along with that,natural farming techniques,soil health cards and balanced fertilizer usage are being pushed as part of approach for sustainable farming practices.
But climate change part is where things get uncomfortable . Increasing heat,unpredictable rainfall and changing weather patterns are already affecting farming in real way. Farmers cannot plan like earlier if rain itself becomes uncertain .
Government is saying farmer hard work and production push have helped India reach record food grain levels,and even become leader in global rice production . Still,big question is how this planning at conclave level will actually reach field level before next weather shock comes…
