Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Launches 'Rabi Campaign 2026', Emphasizes Climate-Resilient Agriculture Roadmap

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, launched the two-day 'National Agriculture Conference – Rabi Campaign 2026' in Delhi. On this occasion, he called upon the states to complete preparations for the Rabi season with clear coordination, scientific planning, and ground-level monitoring. He emphasized that data-driven planning and center-state partnerships are now essential to tackle challenges such as climate change, uncertain rainfall, and water scarcity.

The Union Minister identified 'water budgeting' as the most critical parameter in Rabi preparations. He stated that every state and district should assess the water available for irrigation and select crops based on that assessment. He suggested that in areas where water is scarce, priority should be given to crops that require less water, such as pulses and oilseeds.

Expressing concern over the drought situation in Maharashtra and Karnataka, Shri Chouhan noted that nearly two-thirds of Maharashtra's area is affected and drought has been declared there. He assured that a central team would conduct a ground assessment of the drought in Karnataka on October 3, and a central team would also be sent to Maharashtra. The Agriculture Minister himself, along with his team, will visit these states.

Discussing seed availability and distribution, he stated that states should select appropriate varieties and prepare a distribution roadmap in a timely manner to avoid delays. He emphasized planning the acreage for crops such as gram, lentils, and mustard to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds, while ensuring a fixed market arrangement for them. He clarified that if state governments do not carry out procurement on time, central nodal agencies such as NAFED and NCCF will procure directly from the farmers.

To ensure the balanced use of fertilizers, he suggested running the 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' (Save the Farm Campaign) during the Rabi season to reduce costs and keep the soil healthy. In the context of natural farming, citing examples from Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Himachal Pradesh, he urged states to focus on the branding, marketing, and certification of their products.

Speaking on financial and digital inclusion, the Union Minister called for increasing the coverage of Kisan Credit Cards and accelerating the work on Farmer IDs and AgriStack. Additionally, he directed that real-time monitoring of crop status, pest attacks, and market prices be conducted at a weekly level in every state.

The conference was attended by Union Ministers of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Ramnath Thakur and Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Union Agriculture Secretary Shri Atish Chandra, and Director General of ICAR Dr. M.L. Jat, along with several senior officials and agricultural experts. On the second day of the conference, detailed discussions will be held with the agriculture ministers of the states on issues such as weather forecasting, the Digital Agriculture Mission, and marketing reforms.