After all-time high last year, govt aims at 119 mn tonnes wheat output for 2025-26

The ministry has set the overall Rabi season foodgrain production target of 171.14 million tonnes during crop year 2025-26 (July-June). The details of the targets were shared with 19 ministers from 17 states during the two-day National Agriculture Conference–Rabi Abhiyan 2025, which concluded Tuesday..

Addressing the concluding session, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also urged them to ensure that the companies pass on benefits of GST reductions to farmers.

Chouhan said that the government has set a national foodgrain production target for 2025-26 at 362.50 million tonnes, which is 2.4% higher compared to last year’s 353.96 million tonnes, adding that 25 million metric tonnes of seeds are already available as against the requirement of 22.9 million metric tonnes for upcoming Rabi season sowing.

Noting heavy rain in several parts of the country, Chouhan said it has led to increased sown area, which could lead to rise in fertiliser demand. He said fertilisers will be supplied as per the demand from states, in coordination with the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers.

Chouhan announced that like Kharif season, the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ will be launched again from October 3 for Rabi crops. Over 2,000 teams, comprising officials of Central and state agriculture departments, scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and representatives from agricultural universities, farmer producer organisations, and progressive farmers, will visit villages to guide farmers, he said.

With India’s rice and wheat production already at global levels, Chouhan said there is a need for greater focus on pulses and oilseeds, and a roadmap will be drawn up to enhance yields, with special emphasis on per-hectare productivity. Crop-wise reviews are also being conducted — large-scale meetings have already been held for cotton and soybean, he said, adding that concrete steps will be undertaken to increase output of Rabi crops and other key commodities.

Harikishan Sharma, Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express' National Bureau, specializes in reporting on governance, policy, and data. He covers the Prime Minister’s Office and pivotal central ministries, such as the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Ministry of Cooperation, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Ministry of Rural Development, and Ministry of Jal Shakti. His work primarily revolves around reporting and policy analysis. In addition to this, he authors a weekly column titled "STATE-ISTICALLY SPEAKING," which is prominently featured on The Indian Express website. In this column, he immerses readers in narratives deeply rooted in socio-economic, political, and electoral data, providing insightful perspectives on these critical aspects of governance and society. ... Read More

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