As the Centre and states strengthen preparations for the Rabi season, over ₹1,200 crore has been approved for 10 states under the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY). Addressing the second day of the ‘National Agriculture Conference – Rabi Campaign 2026’, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan called for collaborative efforts between the Centre and states to bolster food security and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
Chauhan stated that matters related to agriculture should be viewed through the lens of ‘Team Agriculture’—bringing together governments, farmers, scientists, and other stakeholders, with an emphasis on practical solutions and the effective implementation of schemes.
Rs 1,200 Crore Sanctioned to 10 States Under PM-RKVY
The Central Government has issued approval letters to 10 states under PM-RKVY. Under this initiative, allocations have been set at ₹290 crore for West Bengal, ₹198 crore for Haryana, ₹181 crore for Chhattisgarh, ₹154 crore for Arunachal Pradesh, ₹114 crore for Bihar, ₹75 crore for Mizoram, ₹64 crore for Himachal Pradesh, ₹58 crore for Jharkhand, ₹104 crore for Karnataka, and ₹43 crore for Punjab. Chouhan stated that the government is working to ensure states receive funds on time for the effective and timely implementation of agricultural schemes.
Agriculture Growth Rate Rises to 4.5%
Highlighting the sector’s performance, Chauhan stated that the agricultural growth rate has risen from 3% in 2015 to 4.5%. The average annual increase in grain production has also gone up from approximately 40 lakh tonnes to 84 lakh tonnes.
He stated that the production of Rabi grains increased by 205 lakh tonnes between 2023-24 and 2025-26, and attributed this rise to the efforts of farmers, scientists, and state agriculture departments.
Monthly Reviews and Annual Agriculture Calendar
The Centre will hold monthly virtual reviews with states to track the progress of agricultural programmes, with State Agriculture Teams comprising ministers, officials, agricultural universities, ICAR institutions, KVKs, FPOs, farmers and other stakeholders. Under the new annual schedule, Kharif district-level meetings will be held on May 10 and state-level meetings on May 17, while Rabi district-level meetings will take place on September 10 and state-level meetings on September 17 every year.
‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ From October 22
Chouhan announced a nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ from October 22 to November 30, focusing on soil health, balanced fertiliser use and environmental sustainability. He also called for greater cultivation of pulses in rice-fallow areas of Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha and West Bengal after the paddy harvest.
Focus on Rabi Crop Protection and Farmers
States were advised to base crop and seed recommendations on soil moisture and water availability, strengthen measures to protect crops from diseases and pests, ensure coverage of all eligible farmers under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, and conduct transparent Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs) under crop insurance schemes.
He also directed the states to take strict action against spurious fertilizers, substandard seeds, and poor-quality pesticides, and to put an end to forced tagging. He urged the states to promote natural farming, integrated farming, and crop diversification.
Government Steps Up Efforts to Improve Farmers’ Returns
The government is implementing measures such as improved post-harvest management, scientific warehouse storage, and marketing systems to increase farmers’ income.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that 100% government procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masoor at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) would be ensured, with arrangements made for payment within 48 hours. He also emphasized leveraging opportunities arising from international Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to expand global markets for Indian agricultural products and boost farmers’ earnings.
Union Ministers of State Ram Nath Thakur and Bhagirath Choudhary, Agriculture Secretary Atish Chandra, ICAR Director General Dr. M.L. Jat, senior officials, scientists, and representatives of agricultural institutions participated in this conference.
(PIB)
