On May 28,Shivraj Singh Chouhan,the Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister,talked about government push for higher kharif crop production,and focus looked pretty clear.
He was speaking at Kharif Conclave-2026 at Pusa Complex,where state agriculture ministers,scientists and senior officials from different regions had gathered . Centre is saying it is fully prepared and wants to improve agricultural productivity,especially to become self-reliant in pulses and oilseeds.
And this is not small thing ah. Pulses and oilseeds directly affect common people,because when production is weak,prices start pinching everyone. At same time,farmers also need better returns,not just big announcements from stage.
Chouhan said,"Our objective is that farmers receive better planning, technology, and support." That line sounds simple,but actual delivery on ground is where real test comes. Planning and technology are useful only when farmer in village actually gets right seed,right advice and support at right time.
Few things standing out from this conclave:
- Seed availability — discussions will look at seed replacement rates and processing arrangements.
- Climate change challenges — changing weather,rainfall issues and rising temperatures are becoming serious problem for farming.
- Record food grain production — expected output for 2025-26 is 3,765.63 lakh tonnes,surpassing last year's figures.
The two-day event is also looking at preparations for both kharif and rabi crops . Main idea is to make sure suitable seeds are available for sowing and agriculture missions are not stuck only in files,but actually reach fields.
But tbh,climate change part feels most worrying here. Chouhan also pointed out erratic rainfall and rising temperatures,and anyone following farming knows how one wrong spell of rain can damage months of work. Sustainable farming sounds good,but farmers need practical help,not lecture only .
There was also discussion around Integrated Development of Horticulture and Cotton Mission . Along with that,government highlighted food grain production numbers,including India leading globally in rice production at 1,540.24 lakh tonnes,surpassing China . Oilseed production is also projected at 430.59 lakh tonnes .
And yes,these numbers look impressive on paper. But real question is whether this success will translate into stable prices,less import pressure and better income for farmers across country . Because record production is one side… farmer’s actual life on ground is another story…
