Chouhan, interacting with media persons, said that the country’s total foodgrain production reached 353.96 million tonnes in 2024–25, an increase of 21.66 million tonnes (6.5 percent) over the previous year.
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Union Minister for Agriculture Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday announced that the Central government has set a foodgrain production target of 362.50 million tonnes for 2025–26, up from 341.55 million tonnes last year.
Chouhan, interacting with media persons, said that the country’s total foodgrain production reached 353.96 million tonnes in 2024–25, an increase of 21.66 million tonnes (6.5 percent) over the previous year.
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The minister also said that the government would leave no stone unturned in supporting the flood affected states and UTs.
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Efforts are on to ensure timely and adequate disbursal of insurance benefits to farmers for those covered under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, he added.
The Centre and states will continue their coordinated efforts to ensure agricultural growth and farmers’ welfare.
The country achieved record harvests 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, he said.
The Rabi Conference, he said, is a successful example of achieving the vision of ‘One Nation — One Agriculture — One Team’.
It provides a platform for agriculture ministers and senior officials from different States and UTs to engage in in-depth deliberations.
Earlier, the Rabi Conference used to be a day-long event, but this time it was extended to two days to allow more detailed discussions.
Chouhan also stressed that the Centre and the states have come together to work jointly for comprehensive agricultural development.
On the first day of the conference, senior agricultural officials from the Centre and States held discussions in six thematic groups.
Chouhan said that State/UT-specific roadmaps will now be finalised through dedicated workshops.
As per an official statement, the six major themes discussed during the two-day conference were — climate resilience, quality seeds, fertilisers and pesticides; horticulture, natural farming, effective extension services and the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and coordination of centrally sponsored schemes. Detailed deliberations were also held on boosting pulses and oilseeds productivity and on integrated farming systems.
The Union Minister said that along with foodgrain output, fruit and vegetable production has also seen a significant rise this year compared to the previous year.
On seed availability, the minister said 22.9 million metric tonnes of seed are required for Rabi sowing, and the country has nearly 25 million metric tonnes of it.
On fertiliser and nutrient supply, he noted that 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 fertilisers. He assured that fertilisers will be supplied as per the demand from states, in coordination with the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers.
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