Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, announced at a press conference today during the ‘National Agriculture Conference – Rabi Abhiyan 2025 in Delhi that the Central government has set a production target of 362.50 million tonnes for 2025–26, an increase from last year’s 341.55 million tonnes.
While addressing the media, Shri Chouhan noted that the country’s total foodgrain production reached 353.96 million tonnes in 2024–25, which is an increase of 21.66 million tonnes, or 6.5%, from the previous year. The country achieved record harvests in key crops such as rice, wheat, maize, groundnut, and soybean. This output exceeded the target of 341.55 million tonnes by 12.41 million tonnes.
Rabi Abhiyan 2025 approach: One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team’
He mentioned that the Rabi Conference demonstrates a successful approach to the idea of ‘One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team’. It offers a platform for agriculture ministers and senior officials from various States and UTs to engage in detailed discussions. He added that the Rabi Conference was previously a one-day event, but this year it expanded to two days to allow for more thorough conversations. Shri Chouhan emphasized that the Centre and States are collaborating to promote agricultural development.
On the first day of the conference, senior agricultural officials from the Centre and States discussed topics in six thematic groups. Shri Chouhan stated that specific roadmaps for each State/UT finalized in dedicated workshops.
Productivity of oilseeds, pulses improved
The six major themes of Rabi Abhiyan 2025 included: climate resilience, quality seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, horticulture, natural farming, effective extension services and the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and coordination of centrally sponsored schemes. Detailed discussions also took place on improving the productivity of pulses and oilseeds, as well as on integrated farming systems.
The Union Minister mentioned that, in addition to foodgrain output, fruit and vegetable production has also significantly increased this year compared to last year. The Centre and States will continue to work together to support agricultural growth and the welfare of farmers.
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