Govt sets record foodgrain target of 354 MT on 'good monsoon' forecast
Representative image
NEW DELHI: Banking on the forecast of a good monsoon rainfall in most parts of the country this year, govt on Thursday set a target of record foodgrain output of 354 million tonne (MT) for the 2025-26 crop year (July-June), which is nearly 4% higher than the target of 2024-25 and over 6.5% more than the actual production of 2023-24.
The foodgrains basket comprises of paddy, wheat, coarse cereals and pulses.
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The target, set after taking inputs from all states, was discussed during a national conference on Kharif campaign where policy makers and farm scientists brainstormed over preparedness and availability of adequate inputs (quality seeds, fertilisers, etc.) ahead of the sowing season.
IMD had last month predicted 'above normal' rainfall for most parts of the country, including the 'monsoon core zone', where farmers depend on seasonal rainfall. Good monsoon rains (June-Sept) invariably help farmers in having bumper output.
Addressing the conference, agriculture minister Shivraj Chouhan announced a pan-India 15-day campaign (May 29-June 12) to create awareness among 1-1.5 crore farmers, across 700 districts, about climate-resilient seed varieties, availability of fertilisers, monsoon forecast and benefits of govt programmes.
"Farm scientists and officials will be among farmers during the campaign. There are 16,000 farm scientists in India and there is a need that farmers and scientists should work together," said Chouhan.
He said that the Centre will consider making amendments in the Seeds Act, 1966 to curb sales of spurious seeds, ensure seeds traceability and protect farmers interest. Under pan-India awareness campaign, Centre in association with states will form 2,000 teams comprising farm scientists and progressive farmers.
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