Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan today said that the country has ample food stocks, due to relentless efforts of India’s hardworking farmers.

 

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the National Conference on Agriculture for Kharif Campaign 2026 in New Delhi today, Mr Chouhan highlighted that the estimated foodgrain production in the country this year is over 376 million tonnes, which is 5.3 per cent higher than last year. He said, Government has given special emphasis to agriculture and welfare for farmers.  The Minister highlighted that India has become the largest producer of rice in the world, overtaking China. 

 

The Minister also said that the two day event will help in setting a roadmap for the welfare of the Kharif agriculture sector. The Minister informed that the conference will provide a platform for discussion on organic farming, integrated farming and other areas. 

 

The two day event aims to deliberate on strategies for the forthcoming Kharif season with a focus on sustainable agriculture, enhanced productivity, climate resilience, infrastructure strengthening and farmer prosperity. The conference brought together senior officials from the Central Government, State Governments, ICAR, agricultural institutions and other stakeholders to discuss key priorities and coordinated action for the Kharif season.

 

The inauguration ceremony was also attended by Ministers of State of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ram Nath Thakur and Bhagirath Choudhary alongside officials from the government.