Shivraj Singh Chouhan calls for region-specific farm strategy with focus on pulses, oilseeds and small farmers

Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday outlined a comprehensive roadmap to make Indian agriculture more region-specific, profitable, and sustainable, with a strong focus on pulses, oilseeds, diversification, and the income of small farmers.

Addressing a press conference in Lucknow during the Northern Regional Agriculture Conference, Chouhan said future agricultural planning would move away from a “one-size-fits-all” approach and instead be tailored to regional factors such as climate, water availability, soil conditions, and crop patterns.

The minister said the Centre and states are working together to prepare a joint roadmap for upcoming kharif and rabi seasons, emphasising that agriculture being a state subject requires close coordination for effective implementation.

He added that policy focus is shifting beyond foodgrain production to include diversification, horticulture, food processing, and value addition. While India has achieved record foodgrain output and strengthened its position in rice and wheat production – including allowing export of 50 lakh metric tonnes of wheat – self-reliance in pulses and oilseeds remains a key priority.

Chouhan said the government’s agricultural strategy is built on six pillars: increasing production, reducing input costs, ensuring fair prices, providing compensation for losses, promoting diversification, and strengthening market linkages.

Highlighting the challenges faced by small and marginal farmers, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh, the minister emphasised the need for integrated farming models. These include intercropping, combining crops with horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, beekeeping, and agro-forestry to maximise income from limited land.

Chouhan stressed the importance of the Kisan Credit Card scheme, noting that many farmers still lack access to affordable formal credit. A nationwide campaign will be launched to ensure wider coverage, enabling farmers to invest in better inputs and improve productivity.

He also described the Farmer ID initiative as a major governance reform that will integrate land records, livestock data, and other details on a single platform, ensuring faster and more transparent delivery of government benefits.

The minister said the government is promoting a “Lab to Land” approach through the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, under which scientists and officials will visit villages to educate farmers on modern techniques, improved seeds, and scientific practices.

Referring to recent challenges faced by farmers, Chouhan said the government has approved procurement of 20 lakh metric tonnes of potatoes under the MIS scheme to support farmers affected by falling prices. He also announced plans to establish an international processing centre in Uttar Pradesh to boost potato processing, storage, and value addition.

To strengthen horticulture, nine Clean Plant Centres are being set up across the country to provide disease-free, high-quality planting material.

On fertiliser prices, the minister said the government has approved an additional ₹41,000 crore subsidy to shield farmers from rising global prices, ensuring urea remains available at ₹266 per bag and DAP at ₹1,350 per bag.

He reiterated the government’s push for natural farming under the National Mission on Natural Farming, while acknowledging transitional challenges and assuring financial support to farmers adopting such practices.

Taking a strong stance against counterfeit agricultural inputs, Chouhan said stricter provisions are being prepared under the Seeds Act and Pesticides Act to curb the sale of fake seeds and pesticides. He termed adulteration a serious issue affecting both crop productivity and public health.

The minister said the Northern Regional Agriculture Conference is part of a broader plan to hold region-wise consultations across five zones of the country, ensuring policies reflect local realities.

He emphasised that agriculture must evolve into an integrated economic activity linked with processing, technology, exports, and sustainability, with farmers’ prosperity as the central benchmark.

“The goal is clear – agriculture must become region-specific, science-based, market-linked, and profitable, while keeping the farmer at the centre of every policy decision,” Chouhan said.

This article has been republished from The DD News.