Rabi Campaign 2026-27: Target of 177.72 Million Tonnes Set for Rabi Crops, 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' to Begin October 22

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, addressed a press conference during the National Agriculture Conference - Rabi Campaign 2026 held in Delhi. During the event, he shared the government's preparations and objectives for the 2026-27 Rabi season, asserting that the Modi government stands firmly with farmers amidst any natural disasters or weather-related challenges.

The government has set a total national production target of 373.93 million tonnes, with a specific target of 177.72 million tonnes for the Rabi season alone. The Agriculture Minister announced that a nationwide 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' (Save the Farm Campaign) will be conducted from October 22 to November 30, 2026. Under this initiative, scientists from ICAR, experts from Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK), and officials from state agriculture departments will visit fields directly to guide farmers on the balanced use of Urea and DAP based on soil requirements and the selection of appropriate crops.

Addressing fertilizer availability, Shri Chouhan stated that states have requested a total of 380 lakh metric tonnes of fertilizer, and the government will ensure its supply. Currently, there is a reserve of over 163 lakh metric tonnes of fertilizer available in the country. He highlighted that a pilot project on the balanced use of fertilizers resulted in a 27 percent reduction in consumption and a direct saving of 1,400 crore rupees, a model that will now be implemented across the country.

To protect the economic interests of farmers, the Minister clarified that if the prices of pulses and oilseeds fall below the Minimum Support Price (MSP), nodal agencies such as NAFED and NCCF will begin procurement directly in the markets without waiting for state governments. Additionally, more than 7,000 crore rupees have already been transferred to states under the RKVY and Krishi Unnati Yojana.

Special central teams are being dispatched on October 3 to states like Karnataka and Maharashtra, which have been affected by natural disasters. Financial assistance for relief operations will be provided through the SDRF and NDRF.

Regarding pollution and stubble burning, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan took a firm stance, stating that it is not fair to blame and harass farmers alone for pollution. Citing data, he noted that the contribution of stubble burning to pollution was approximately 7 percent in 2019-20, which has now decreased to about 2.5 percent.

Discussing agricultural development data, he mentioned that since 2015, the average annual growth rate of foodgrain production has increased to 8.4 million tonnes per year, and the average growth rate has risen from 3 percent to 4.5 percent. Furthermore, efforts are being intensified to connect Indian farmers to the global market through AgriStack, unique farmer IDs, and Free Trade Agreements (FTA).