New Delhi, May 28 (IANS). Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday inaugurated the two-day ‘National Agriculture Conference – Kharif Campaign 2026’ at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in Pusa. On the first day of the conference, agricultural experts, scientists and officials from across the country had in-depth discussions on various issues related to farming. On the second day, a detailed roadmap on the preparations and strategy for the Kharif crop will be prepared with the agriculture ministers of the states.
Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, emphasizing the spirit of “One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team”, said that everyone will have to work with full commitment. Praising the farmers, he said, “Despite the adverse circumstances and the challenges of climate change, our farmers have made the country proud by producing record food grains. I heartily salute the food providers of the country.”
Releasing the third advance estimate of this year, Shivraj Singh Chauhan said that the total food grain production is estimated to be 3,765.63 lakh tonnes, which is 188 lakh tonnes more than last year.
He congratulated the farmers, Indian Agricultural Research Institute scientists and state officials for this achievement. The minister clarified that food security is the country’s top priority. Our country with 140 crore people cannot depend on the world for food. It is the responsibility of our farmers to ensure food security and that is why we call them ‘Annadata’ i.e. life givers.
Emphasizing the role of the states, Chouhan said, “The schemes cannot be implemented by the central government alone. They have to be implemented through the states only. You are the representative of the states, hence take this responsibility on your shoulders. This government job is not just for earning salary. Its purpose is to change the lives of the people and ensure the food security of the country.”
Regarding El Nino, he said that there is no need to panic right now. “There is no final estimate yet. This is just speculation. We will act as per the situation.”
Giving a strict message, the Minister said that the officers who do not attend this biggest conference to increase production are not worthy of their posts and should be removed immediately. In the conference, the resolve to improve agriculture, double the income of farmers and make India developed and self-reliant was reiterated.
–IANS
SAK/DKP
