By The Hindu Bureau

Copyright thehindu

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Tuesday (September 16, 2025) that foodgrain output as well as fruit and vegetable production had seen a significant rise this year compared to the previous year.

He was speaking to reporters after a two-day National Conference on Agriculture – Rabi Campaign, a joint meeting between the Union and State Agriculture Departments to prepare the roadmap for upcoming winter seasonal crops.

“The Central government has set a production target of 362.50 million tonnes for 2025-26, up from 341.55 million tonnes last year. The country’s total foodgrain production reached 353.96 million tonnes in 2024-25, an increase of 21.66 million tonnes (6.5%) over the previous year. The country achieved record harvest in key crops like rice, wheat, maize, groundnut, and soybean. This output was 12.41 million tonnes higher than the set target of 341.55 million tonnes,” Mr. Chouhan said.

The conference discussed topics such as climate resilience; quality seeds, fertilizers and pesticides; horticulture, and natural farming. It also decided to boost pulses and oilseeds productivity and focus on integrated farming systems.

Stating that the conference was a success, he said the Centre and States will continue their coordinated efforts to ensure agricultural growth and farmers’ welfare. He added that against the practice in previous years of holding the conference for one day, this rabi conference was held on two days and it was proof of the government’s commitment to the farm sector.

On the flood situation, he said the government is making every possible effort to assist those affected in States such as Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Assam, and parts of Haryana. “The Centre will leave no stone unturned in supporting these States/Union Territories,” the Minister said, adding that efforts are being made to ensure timely and adequate disbursal of insurance benefits to farmers covered under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.

Pulses and oilseeds

On seed availability, Mr. Chouhan said 22.9 million tonne of seeds are required for rabi sowing, but nearly 25 million tonne are already available. On fertilizer and nutrient supply, he said rainfall and other factors often cause changes in crop patterns. “This year, good rainfall has led to increased sown area, which could raise demand for fertilizers,” he said and assured that fertilizers will be supplied as per the demand from the States, in coordination with the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers.

The Minister said while India’s production of rice and wheat is already at global levels, there is a need for greater focus on pulses and oilseeds. “A roadmap will be developed to enhance yields, with special emphasis on per-hectare productivity. Crop-wise reviews are also being conducted — large-scale meetings have already been held for cotton and soybean. Concrete steps will follow to increase output of rabi crops and other key commodities,” he said.