Govt eyes bumper foodgrain output
New Delhi: India is likely to achieve a new record in foodgrain production during the 2025-26 kharif season starting next month, buoyed by forecasts of above-normal monsoon rains, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said.
In an interview with PTI, Chouhan also called for stringent laws to curb the sale of fake and substandard pesticides, and better implementation of soil health cards to ensure balanced fertiliser use. The minister, who is leading a 15-day nationwide Viksit Krishi Abhiyan (Developed Agriculture Campaign) across the country, said the outreach programme ahead of kharif sowing would help refine policies and research plans to boost agricultural production.
According to the agriculture ministry's third estimate, India's foodgrain production hit a record 168.06 million tonnes in the 2024-25 kharif season. Kharif foodgrain output has risen 31.23 per cent since 2014-15.
During visits to 10 states so far, the minister said he learned from farmers that existing crop varieties in some areas have developed resistance to emerging pests. Farmers also raised concerns about fake pesticides and sought greater protection during price crashes. Research plans and policies for short, medium and long-term implementation will be developed based on these inputs, he said.
As farmers prepare their fields for kharif sowing, Chouhan said, farmers complained about substandard pesticides in the market. 'We need to frame a stringent law to address this. Now they get away with paying some penalty. We should come out with a strict law to punish those engaged in selling poor/substandard pesticides,' he said.
On pulses and oilseed production, the minister said output has improved, but India still has far to go to achieve self-reliance and reduce import dependency. The government is working with a mission approach, distributing better quality seeds and educating farmers on best practices while ensuring procurement. These efforts will be intensified to address yield gaps, he added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Print
2 hours ago
- The Print
Sule sidesteps question on buzz over NCP factions reuniting
To a query on whether she will call Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to wish him on the party's foundation day, Sule said, 'I speak to all my brothers on different occasions.' The NCP, founded by Sharad Pawar, split in July 2023 after nephew Ajit Pawar joined the then Shiv Sena-BJP coalition government. Asked if she is remembering 'dada' — her cousin and rival NCP head Ajit Pawar — on the Nationalist Congress Party's 26th foundation day on Tuesday, the Lok Sabha member told reporters that she has six brothers and she remembers them every day. Pune, Jun 10 (PTI) NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule on Tuesday avoided a direct response on the speculation about the rival NCP factions coming together, saying she was busy with other responsibilities and had no time to discuss the party affairs. The party name and its clock symbol was given to the Ajit Pawar faction, while the one headed by the former Union agriculture minister was christened NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar). There has been speculation that the two factions could be looking at burying the hatchet and reuniting. To a query on a section of the NCP (SP) having the same feeling and Sharad Pawar saying all decisions regarding the party will be taken by her, Sule said, 'I have had no time to discuss the party affairs with party leaders or meet my family for the last 15 days.' Everyone has the right to express their views and opinions in a democracy, she added. 'NCP is an organisation founded by Sharad Pawar and is functional for 26 years. Everyone, whether they are with us or not, has contributed to the growth of the party. There was team work. I am remembering R R Patil, who is no more,' she said. Sule recently led a multi-party delegation and travelled to some of the foreign countries to convey India's stand following Operation Sindoor, The parliamentarian said she will be leaving in the afternoon for New Delhi, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet members of multi-party delegations which travelled abroad. PTI MR GK This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
The Print
2 hours ago
- The Print
Odisha higher education department, IGNOU sign MoU to offer courses in Odia
Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj attended the signing ceremony as the chief guest on Monday. According to the agreement, IGNOU will now provide courses such as bachelor's and master's degrees, postgraduate diplomas, diplomas, certificates, and specialised programmes — including travel and tourism management, BBA, MBA, and other professional courses — in Odia language across the state. Bhubaneswar, Jun 10 (PTI) Odisha's Higher Education Department and the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to offer a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate programmes in Odia language, a minister said. 'Through this MoU, our students can now pursue higher education in Odia,' he said. The minister said offering programmes in mother tongue removes barriers. 'Language or medium should no longer be a hindrance in access to higher education,' he said, adding that this initiative reinforces the National Education Policy's focus on providing education in regional languages. The MoU is expected to foster students' creativity, reduce dropout rates and boost the state's gross enrolment ratio in higher education, the minister added. Higher education secretary Arvind Agarwal, department special secretary Ramakant Nayak, IGNOU vice-chancellor Professor Uma Kanjilal and registrar Dr. Alok Chaubey were present at the event, an official statement said. PTI AAM AAM MNB This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
The Print
2 hours ago
- The Print
Sikkim CM greets people on first anniversary of second term of SKM govt
'Today, we commemorate not merely the formation of our government, but the triumph of democracy and the collective aspiration for development. This day stands as a symbol of our enduring commitment to justice, equality, and inclusive governance, a time to reflect on the inspiring journey of the SKM government, to celebrate our achievements, and to draw strength from the lessons we have encountered along the way,' he said. Tamang who is also the SKM president in a Facebook post said that this milestone was a remarkable testament to the unwavering trust and support of the people, as well as to the visionary and collective leadership that continues to guide our state toward progress, inclusivity, and prosperity. Gangtok, Jun 10 (PTI) Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Tuesday thanked the people of the Himalayan state for their faith and support of the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) government as it celebrates the first anniversary of the second term. The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha returned to power for the second time by winning 31 of the 32 seats in the state Assembly elections held last year. 'Guided by a resolute vision for a brighter Sikkim, we embarked on a transformative journey aimed at reshaping the future of our beloved state. One year on, I am proud to say that we have made significant strides in turning that vision into reality,' he said. He also thanked the Central government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for their steadfast support and patronage in times of need, and for their enduring guidance. 'As I look back on our journey, I do so with deep appreciation for the dedication of our team and, most importantly, for the faith and support of the people of Sikkim. There remains much to be accomplished, and we must stay resolute in our commitment to transformative governance and inclusive development,' he said. He offered his sincere thanks to all who have contributed to the success of the SKM government and thanked the people of Sikkim for their continued trust and partnership in this shared journey. Tamang said his government remains fully committed to the welfare of every citizen and the advancement of every region of our state. He urged all to forge ahead, united in purpose, to build a 'Sunaulo, Sammridha, and Samarth Sikkim'. PTI COR RG This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
