After the resounding success of the first phase of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, the second phase of the campaign will commence under the leadership of Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan. While the first phase focused on Kharif crops, the upcoming phase will concentrate on Rabi crops. As part of the campaign, agricultural scientists from across the country will visit villages, interact with farmers, provide essential information, and address their concerns. Preparations for this include a two-day National Agricultural Conference — Rabi Abhiyan 2025, scheduled at Pusa Campus, New Delhi, from September 15.
The national Rabi Conference will serve as a common platform for agricultural experts, scientists, policymakers, and senior representatives of state governments to deliberate on preparations, production targets, and strategies for the Rabi 2025–26 sowing season. The conference will be chaired by Union Agriculture Minister, with the participation of state agriculture ministers, the Union Agriculture Secretary, the Director General of ICAR, and officials from related central ministries and states.
For the first time, under the directions of the Union Agriculture Minister, the Rabi Conference is being extended to two days, during which various issues will be discussed from the perspective of supporting farmers and addressing challenges related to agriculture and Rabi crops.
On the first day, central and state government officials will discuss key issues concerning Rabi crops. On September 16, all state agriculture ministers, the Union Agriculture Minister, and the Ministers of State will hold detailed deliberations, including in-depth reviews on how best to deliver new technologies and seeds to farmers. State representatives will participate along with their teams, and for the first time, scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) have also been invited to share regional experiences, highlight challenges, and help frame future strategies.
The programme will also feature parallel technical sessions on multiple themes, with presentations by experts, scientists, and state delegates followed by open discussions aimed at producing practical solutions. Key focus areas include:
- 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.
The conference will also highlight the successes and best practices of various states, ensuring that effective models can be replicated elsewhere. Experts will further share insights on weather forecasting, fertilizer management, agricultural research, and technological interventions.
This conference is expected not only to guide the action plan and production strategies for Rabi 2025–26 but also to serve as an important step towards increasing farmers’ incomes, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and ensuring national food security.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan for Kharif crops earlier this year, personally interacting with farmers across several states between May 29 and June 12, 2025, to resolve their issues. During the first phase, 2,170 teams of scientists visited villages and directly engaged with farmers, who enthusiastically welcomed the initiative and benefitted greatly from the knowledge shared. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also hailed the campaign as a historic milestone.