As India surpasses China in rice production; Centre unveils new agriculture roadmap

Ziraat Times Team Report

New Delhi, May 28: Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday said India has achieved a historic milestone in foodgrain production, with total output crossing 3,765 lakh tonnes in 2025-26, while announcing that the Centre’s preparations for the upcoming Kharif season are in full swing.

Addressing a press conference during the National Kharif Campaign Conclave-2026 at the NASC Complex in Pusa, New Delhi, the Union Minister said the government’s top priorities remain ensuring food security, improving farmers’ livelihoods and providing nutritious food to citizens.

He said the two-day conclave, being held on May 28 and 29, has brought together what he termed “Team Agriculture,” including Agriculture Ministers from states, scientists from Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), senior officials from the Centre and states, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and agricultural experts to discuss preparations for the Kharif season and formulate a new agricultural roadmap.

Chouhan said the Centre, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been consistently working to strengthen the agriculture sector through improved planning, better technology and stronger support systems for farmers.

Highlighting the country’s agricultural achievements, the Minister said foodgrain production in 2025-26 has reached an estimated 3,765.63 lakh tonnes, nearly 188 lakh tonnes higher than the previous year. He said rice production touched a record 1,540.24 lakh tonnes, making India the world’s largest rice producer ahead of China.

Wheat production has been estimated at 1,206.57 lakh tonnes, while maize production reached 550.92 lakh tonnes, both setting new records, he said.

The Minister also noted significant gains in oilseed production, which is estimated at 430.59 lakh tonnes. Groundnut production is expected to touch 130.74 lakh tonnes, while rapeseed and mustard output has reached a record 137.68 lakh tonnes.

Stressing that self-reliance in pulses and oilseeds remains a priority, Chouhan said separate missions have been launched for both sectors and detailed discussions are underway on improving seed quality, increasing seed replacement rates, demonstration programmes and processing infrastructure.

He said the conclave is focusing on multiple areas including climate-resilient agriculture, natural farming, soil health management, balanced use of fertilisers, digital agriculture, horticulture development and risk management.

Describing climate change as a major challenge for Indian agriculture, the Minister said erratic rainfall patterns, rising temperatures and changing weather conditions are affecting farming practices across the country. Discussions are therefore being held on strategies to keep agriculture sustainable and resilient.

Chouhan said the government is also examining integrated farming models to improve the incomes of small and marginal farmers, noting that the small size of landholdings in India requires innovative approaches to increase profitability.

He said the conclave will deliberate on issues related to agricultural credit, the Agri Infrastructure Fund, PM-AASHA Yojana, Farmer ID initiatives, strengthening of FPOs and post-harvest management systems.

The Union Minister said agriculture being a state subject, regional consultations have also been initiated to address local farming and climatic conditions more effectively. So far, regional agriculture conferences have been held in Jaipur, Lucknow and Bhubaneswar, while similar meetings are planned for the North-East and South India.

He added that the Centre is considering organising future regional conferences based on the country’s eight agro-climatic zones to ensure more targeted agricultural planning and implementation.

Chouhan further said the “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” will also be discussed extensively during the conclave, with coordinated efforts planned between the Centre and states to achieve agricultural targets and strengthen the sector further.