The two-day ‘National Agriculture Conference – Rabi Abhiyan 2025’, organised by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare began today at Pusa, New Delhi. The theme of the conference — ‘One Nation – One Agriculture – One Team’ — is a significant step towards promoting coordinated efforts and partnerships in the agricultural sector. The Rabi Conference is being organised as a two-day event for the first time on the initiative of Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Addressing the conference on the first day, Shri Shivraj Singh said that there will be no shortage of food grains, fruits, or vegetables in the country and that India will be made the food basket of the world. The Union Minister offered guidance in his interaction with senior agriculture officials from across the country.

Shri Chouhan said that agriculture in the country is growing at 3.7 percent, the highest in the world, thanks to the hard work of our farmers and scientists, and the government’s farmer-friendly policies. Shivraj Singh emphasised that the Centre and the states are united, and for our nation, our people, and our farmers, we will continue working together with full strength as their welfare is paramount. “We are fortunate to have the responsibility of transforming India’s agricultural landscape. We are not ordinary people; we are those who shape the destiny of half of the nation’s population. We must work with great diligence. Our true concern is the farmer and their upliftment,” he said.

Speaking on the issue of spurious fertilisers, seeds, and pesticides, Shivraj Singh said that strict action will be taken against the culprits and added that that only bio stimulants (plant growth enhancers) that meet all standards and benchmarks will now be allowed for sale. “We will not allow farmers to be exploited. Agricultural extension work is extremely important; together with the Central Government, all state agriculture departments, agricultural universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and all related organisations must prepare concrete programmes and strategies and work rapidly at the ground level. Officers should add value to their work. We are only concerned about agriculture and the farmer, for which we will work with our full dedication. With this spirit, the Rabi Conference will deliberate and work to improve the situation of farmers,” the Minister said.

Shivraj Singh further said that weather is no longer predictable, hence more and more farmers should be covered under crop insurance, and officers should make efforts to ensure that. “The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana must be implemented effectively so that farmers get relief. The ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ will again be carried out in October with joint participation of the Centre and states. Now agricultural research must focus on solving farmers’ problems, not merely on publishing papers. In flood-affected areas, the entire administration should work swiftly to provide relief,” Shri Chouhan said.

In his inaugural speech, Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Union Ministry of Agriculture, informed that six parallel breakout sessions are being organised as part of the conference. ICAR Director General Dr. M. L. Jat also shared their views. Rajasthan Agriculture Minister Dr. Kirodi Lal Meena was present in the inaugural event.

The conference is being attended by senior officials of the Centre and states, scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), agricultural experts, farmer representatives, and other stakeholders. This platform is providing an opportunity for policymakers, scientists, and state representatives to deliberate comprehensively on preparations, production targets, and strategies for the Rabi 2025-26 season.

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RC/KSR/AR