Highlights
• India fully prepared for Kharif 2026 season, says Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan
• Around 11% more quality seeds available than required for Kharif sowing
• National seed reserve of 1.74 lakh quintals created for emergency situations
• Over 9.76 crore Farmer IDs generated to simplify delivery of government benefits
• ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ to run nationwide from June 1 to June 30
• Focus on crop insurance reforms, natural farming and balanced fertiliser use
• Separate agriculture roadmap to be prepared for every state based on agro-climatic conditions
• Centre and states jointly working on farmer-centric planning and scientific agriculture management
• Government aims to strengthen agricultural credit flow and support tenant farmers
• Crackdown planned against fake pesticides and substandard agricultural inputs
New Delhi, May 29, 2026: Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said India is fully prepared for the Kharif 2026 season, with enhanced availability of quality seeds, improved agricultural planning and stronger coordination between the Centre and state governments.
Addressing the media during the National Kharif Agriculture Conference held in New Delhi, the minister said extensive discussions were conducted with agriculture ministers, scientists, agricultural universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), progressive farmers and officials from across the country to finalise a concrete roadmap for the upcoming Kharif season.
Shri Chouhan informed that approximately 173 lakh quintals of seeds are required for Kharif 2026, while around 192 lakh quintals are already available, ensuring nearly 11% surplus seed availability. He added that the Centre has also prepared a national seed reserve of 1.74 lakh quintals to help farmers in case of delayed rainfall, dry spells or resowing requirements.
The Union Minister said the government has accelerated the Farmer ID campaign, with more than 9.76 crore Farmer IDs already generated. According to him, the initiative will simplify access to government schemes, improve transparency and ensure targeted delivery of subsidies, fertilisers and financial assistance.
On agricultural credit, Shri Chouhan said the government is focusing on improving farm loan accessibility in regions where agricultural credit flow remains low, especially in eastern India. He added that discussions are also underway to ensure tenant farmers cultivating leased land receive benefits under government schemes.
The minister also stressed the need to improve the crop insurance system. He said a dedicated team would be formed to enhance the accuracy and transparency of crop-cutting experiments and remote sensing assessments. He warned that delays in compensation settlement would attract 12% interest after the completion of necessary formalities.
Highlighting concerns around fake pesticides and poor-quality agricultural inputs, Shri Chouhan said states would strengthen laboratory infrastructure, increase sample testing and expand NABL-certified testing facilities. A nationwide campaign against fake agricultural products will also be launched.
The Centre and state governments will jointly conduct the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ from June 1 to June 30. Under the campaign, agricultural teams and officials will visit villages across the country to spread awareness about balanced fertiliser use, Soil Health Cards, natural farming practices, crop management and government schemes.
Natural farming and integrated farming also remained key focus areas during the conference. Shri Chouhan said nearly 20 lakh farmers have already registered for natural farming covering around 8 lakh hectares of land.
The Union Minister further announced that separate agricultural roadmaps would be prepared for every state based on local agro-climatic conditions, soil quality, nutrient availability, crop suitability and fertiliser requirements to make agricultural planning more scientific and region-specific.
The conference concluded with a strong message that India’s agriculture sector is now being approached as a national mission driven by scientific planning, timely implementation and farmer empowerment.
