After the tremendous success of the first phase of the 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan,' the second phase of the campaign is set to begin under the leadership of Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare & Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Previously, the campaign focused on Kharif crops, and now, for Rabi crops, agricultural scientists from across the country will visit villages through this campaign, meet farmers, provide essential information, listen to their issues, and play a role in fulfilling Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's 'Lab to Land' mantra. As part of the campaign preparations, a two-day 'National Agricultural Conference — Rabi Abhiyan 2025' is being organized at Pusa Campus, New Delhi from September 15.

The two-day national conference for Rabi crops will provide a common platform for agricultural experts, scientists, policy makers, and senior representatives from state governments across the country, where preparations, production targets, and strategies related to the sowing season for Rabi 2025-26 will be deeply discussed. The conference will be chaired by Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan. On this occasion, agriculture ministers from several states, Union Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Director General of ICAR, and other officials from relevant central ministries and states will participate.

For the first time, under the directions of the Union Agriculture Minister, the Rabi Conference is being held for two days long, in which various subjects will be discussed from the perspective of benefiting farmers and addressing challenges related to agriculture and Rabi season crops.

On the first day, officials from the enter Central and State Governments will discuss the important issues related to the Rabi crops. On September 16, all State Agriculture Ministers, the Union Agriculture Minister and the Ministers of State (MoS) will have detailed discussions, including in-depth review and contemplate on how to effectively deliver new technologies and seeds to farmers. All state representatives will participate with their teams, and for the first time, Krishi Vigyan Kendra scientists have also been invited, who will share regional experiences and challenges and help decide future strategies.

The programme will include parallel technical sessions on various subjects. Experts, scientists, and state representatives will make presentations and practical solutions will emerge through open discussions. Special focus will be on the following topics:

-  Climate resilience, soil health, and balanced fertilizer use — emphasis on better soil management and balanced nutrition.

-  Quality seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and agricultural traceability — precise agricultural inputs and digital monitoring.

-  Diversification of horticulture — strategies focused on income enhancement and export potential.

-  Effective extension services and the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) — delivering latest technology and knowledge to farmers.

-  Coordination of centrally sponsored schemes — better alignment of schemes and sharing of state experiences.

-  Natural farming — low-cost and environment-friendly farming practices.

-  Crop diversification with special emphasis on pulses and oilseeds, and strategies for increasing area and production of pulses and oilseeds during the Rabi season — promotion of self-reliance and nutritional security.

-  Status of fertilizer availability during Rabi crops — review of timely supply and distribution arrangements.

-  Integrated Farming Systems

In the conference, successes and best practices from different states will be shared so that they can be implemented in other states as well. Also, experts will present their views on subjects related to weather forecasting, fertiliser management, agricultural research, and technological interventions.

This conference will not only guide the action plan and production strategies for the Rabi 2025-26 season, but will also prove to be an important step towards increasing farmers' income, ensuring sustainable agriculture systems, and national food security.

The Central Government is continually taking steps for the prosperity of farmers. The government is committed to increasing the income of farmer brothers and sisters. It was based on the Prime Minister’s 'Lab to Land' vision that the Union Agriculture Minister, Shri Shivraj Singh, started the 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan' for the Kharif crop, in which he personally interacted with farmers across various states from May 29 to June 12, 2025, attempting to solve their problems. In the first phase, 2,170 teams of scientists visited villages, where farmers enthusiastically interacted with scientists and received essential knowledge about agriculture. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also highlighted the importance of the campaign, describing it as a historic step.

This time, as earlier, the country's farmer brothers and sisters are extremely enthusiastic and hopeful about the campaign. Once again, it is expected that this campaign will not remain theoretical but will fulfil practical objectives, ensuring outreach to a large number of farmers and giving new direction to agriculture.

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RC/KSR/AR