Chouhan does comprehensive review of agriculture sector
Published: Mar 21, 2026
By TIOLCorplaws News Service
NEW DELHI, MAR 21, 2026: UNION Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Friday conducted a high-level, comprehensive review of the overall condition of the agriculture sector at Krishi Bhavan in New Delhi. The meeting focused extensively on the potential losses suffered by farmers in several states due to recent incidents of excessive rainfall, heavy showers, hailstorms, and other adverse weather conditions. Detailed discussions were also held on the immediate needs of farmers, the process of insurance claims, and the functioning of relief mechanisms. Speaking to the media after the review, Chouhan clearly stated that the government's focus is not limited to production alone, but also extends to the scientific assessment of crop damage, proper settlement of insurance claims, and timely assistance to farmers.
The review meeting was convened at the direction of the Union Agriculture Minister at a time when weather uncertainty, the risk of crop damage, and the urgent need for support to farmers have emerged as key concerns in several states. The objective was to ensure that policy measures, relief mechanisms, and the outreach of various schemes of the central government are coordinated effectively at all levels so that farmers receive timely and adequate support.
Special emphasis on scientific assessment of crop loss and insurance claims
During the meeting, Chouhan directed the Agriculture Secretary, Agriculture Commissioner, and all senior officials present to ensure that wherever farmers require assistance, coordination with state governments is strengthened. He stressed that crop cutting experiments should be conducted promptly, losses must be assessed scientifically, and immediate relief should be provided without delay. He said that in areas affected by heavy rainfall, hailstorms, or other adverse weather conditions, time-bound action at the field level is essential so that no farmer is forced to wait for relief.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan instructed all officials to immediately establish communication and coordination with state governments so that crop cutting experiments are carried out properly, losses are accurately assessed, and insurance claims are prepared in a correct and scientific manner. “If farmers have suffered losses, their insurance claims should be prepared properly and scientifically so that we can support our farmer brothers and sisters,” he said.
He also informed that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated the possibility of two more western disturbances in the coming days. In view of this, detailed discussions were held on what advisories should be issued to farmers, and necessary instructions have been provided at a broader level.
Adverse weather, weather forecasts, and risk management
The meeting included a detailed review of weather forecasts and the current condition of crops so that preparations can be made in line with potential weather-related risks in the coming days. Chouhan stated that the Agriculture Department, state governments, and all associated institutions must work together to formulate a comprehensive action plan that ensures farmers receive timely advice, assistance, and protection.
The Union Minister made it clear that the goal of the agriculture sector should not be confined to production alone, but must also include farmer security, income stability, and timely support. He emphasised the need to establish better coordination between crop conditions, weather risks, procurement readiness, and relief mechanisms to ensure that farmers are adequately protected.
Self-reliance in Pulses Mission, MSP, and procurement of bumper production
Chouhan stated that the procurement of wheat and paddy by the government is set to begin in the coming days and noted that rabi crops have had a bumper production this season. As a result, the country has sufficient stocks of wheat, paddy, and rice, and there is no shortage. He said that while procurement of wheat and paddy will continue, there will be a strong focus on pulses. “Farmers can sell as much tur, masur, and urad as they wish, and we will procure it,” he said.
The Union Agriculture Minister clarified that procurement of pulses will be carried out not only by state governments but also through agencies such as National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED) and National Cooperative Consumers' Federation (NCCF), ensuring that farmers are not forced to sell below the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and are able to receive fair remuneration for their produce.
Reviewing the progress of the Pulses Self-Reliance Mission, Chouhan emphasised the need to expand production, increase the area under cultivation, and strengthen MSP-based procurement mechanisms for key pulses such as tur, urad, and masur. He stated that the objective of the mission is to make the country self-reliant in pulses production, reduce dependence on imports, and increase farmers' incomes. He added that concrete action plans are being prepared at the ground level to achieve these goals.
Focus on quality along with quantity, campaign for premium value
The Union Agriculture Minister made it clear that agricultural policy will no longer focus solely on increasing quantity but will also give equal importance to improving quality. He cited the example of ‘Sharbati' wheat from Madhya Pradesh, which commands a premium of over ?400 in the market due to its superior quality.
He emphasised the need to promote better crop varieties, bio-fortified crops, and high-quality grains so that farmers can obtain prices higher than the MSP. “We will certainly increase production, but we will also run campaigns on how to improve quality along with quantity. Better varieties and fortified crops can fetch higher prices for farmers, so we must focus on variety selection and quality enhancement,” Chouhan said.
Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, regional conferences, and crop-wise roadmaps
Shivraj Chouhan also reviewed preparations for the upcoming Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, which will be implemented at the national level to provide farmers with scientific advice, advanced technologies, and region-specific agricultural guidance, as was done previously. He stressed that the campaign should not remain merely a formal exercise but should deliver practical and useful outcomes at the field level. This will enable farmers to choose the right crops, appropriate varieties, and suitable agricultural practices before sowing.
He noted that earlier, preparations for kharif crops were discussed in a single meeting held in New Delhi. However, this approach has now been replaced by regional conferences across five zones - North, South, West, East, and Hill states (including the Northeast). He announced that three regional conferences have been scheduled for April 7 in Jaipur, April 17 in Lucknow, and April 24 in Odisha, while the dates for two additional conferences will be finalised soon.
These conferences will include not only government officials but also scientists from Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), agricultural experts, successful farmers, farmer producer organisations, and representatives from the private sector who have contributed significantly to research, value addition, processing, and marketing.
Chouhan said that the government is formulating strategies across the entire agricultural value chain - from seed to market - to ensure that farmers receive support at every stage. He further stated that a ‘crop-based roadmap' will be prepared for each major crop and a ‘state-based agricultural roadmap' for every state. Detailed discussions have already begun on crops such as soybean, maize, and coconut, focusing on increasing production, improving quality, addressing diseases, and ensuring the availability of clean planting material.
Reiterating the government's commitment, Chouhan said that the Centre stands shoulder to shoulder with farmers and is continuously working to improve services for them. He added that the aim is to enhance agricultural production and take the country's prosperity to new heights through the efforts of its farmers.
