Amid global supply chain pressures and fluctuating weather patterns, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chauhan, addressed a high-level press conference following the National Rabi Campaign 2026 conference in New Delhi.
Reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to the farming community, Chauhan stated that the Modi administration stands like a rock beside the nation’s annadatas (farmers) against all adversities.
Robust Fertiliser Stock and El-Nino Mitigation
Addressing concerns regarding erratic monsoon patterns and El-Nino projections, the Agriculture Minister assured that proactive contingency measures taken since April have successfully minimised crop deficit impacts, keeping Kharif sowing near normal levels.
On the fertiliser front, Chauhan dismissed supply shortage concerns:
- Massive Buffer Stock: India currently holds over 163 million metric tons (163 lakh MT) of fertiliser stock, significantly higher than the 122 million metric tons recorded during the same period last year. Total national demand for the upcoming Rabi season is pegged at 380 lakh MT, which is fully secured.
- Insulating Farmers from Global Inflation: International price volatility will not be passed on to Indian farmers, ensuring uninterrupted and affordable access to Urea and DAP.
Ambitious Rabi Target and ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’
The government has set a massive foodgrain production target of 373.93 million tons for the 2026–27 agricultural year, which includes an ambitious 177.72 million ton target exclusively for the Rabi season.
Running from Oct 22 to Nov 30, 2026, the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ campaign aims to cut input costs and protect soil. Building on successful trials that saved over ₹1,400 crores, experts will guide farmers on fertiliser use, soil testing, and water management.
Ensuring Fair Remuneration: NAFED & NCCF Direct Procurement
To protect growers from distress sales and price drops below the Minimum Support Price (MSP), the government has streamlined procurement mechanisms under PM-AASHA.
Central nodal agencies NAFED and NCCF are authorised to step into mandis directly without waiting for state-level administrative delays, ensuring pulses and oilseeds are procured seamlessly at MSP.
Defending farmers against unfair blame over Delhi-NCR air quality, Chauhan noted that stubble burning causes only about 2.5% of total pollution, arguing that criminalising farmers is unacceptable.
The focus, he emphasised, must remain on constructive dialogue, financial incentives, and modern machinery provision rather than punitive measures.
Furthermore, the minister announced that central inspection teams will visit drought- and flood-affected states starting Oct 3 to fast-track relief disbursements under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
