Rabi 2026 Planning Must Be Based on Water Availability, Climate Risks: Shivraj Chouhan

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has called for a data-driven and climate-responsive strategy for the Rabi 2026 season, asking states to align crop planning with water availability, soil moisture and local agro-climatic conditions.

Addressing the two-day National Agriculture Conference - Rabi Campaign 2026 in New Delhi, Chouhan said changing weather patterns, erratic rainfall and water constraints required a shift from conventional crop planning to scientific assessment, timely preparation and stronger Centre-State coordination.

Water availability to guide crop planning

Chouhan identified water budgeting as one of the most important parameters for Rabi planning and asked states and districts to assess available irrigation water before finalising crop plans. Areas with limited water availability should prioritise relatively less water-intensive crops such as pulses and oilseeds, while areas with assured irrigation can plan other crops accordingly. He also called for separate strategies for rainfed and irrigated areas.

The minister expressed concern over drought conditions in Maharashtra and Karnataka. According to the Agriculture Ministry, a Central team will undertake a ground assessment in Karnataka on October 3, while another team will be sent to Maharashtra. Chouhan also said Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh would need crop plans based on water availability and soil moisture.

Push for pulses and oilseeds

Chouhan asked states to promote pulses and oilseeds, particularly in areas that remain fallow after paddy cultivation. He directed states to finalise by September 29 their Rabi plans indicating the area to be brought under pulses and the crops to be promoted, including chana, masoor and mustard.

He stressed that production planning must be accompanied by assured procurement and market arrangements. If states are unable to procure on time, Central agencies NAFED and NCCF will undertake direct procurement from farmers, with states providing the necessary mandi and other support. The Centre has also approved large-scale procurement proposals for pulses and oilseeds under the Price Support Scheme (PSS).

Timely seeds, fertilisers remain priorities

Chouhan described quality seed as a critical link in Rabi preparations and asked states to identify varieties suited to specific regions and agro-climatic conditions. He called for advance planning covering seed demand, procurement, lifting and distribution so that improved varieties reach farmers before the sowing window closes.

He also called for balanced fertiliser use and extension of the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ to Rabi. Excessive fertiliser application, he said, increases cultivation costs and can affect soil health. The minister said the Centre is currently spending around Rs 2 lakh crore on fertiliser subsidy, while farmers receive urea at Rs 266 per bag and DAP at Rs 1,350 per bag.

Agriculture strategy must respond to climate risks

Agriculture Secretary Atish Chandra said changing weather patterns, uneven rainfall and moisture-related challenges in rainfed areas make agricultural diversification, sustainable farming and research-based practices increasingly important.

He called for concrete measures to enhance farmers’ incomes, including soil health management, modern agricultural infrastructure, stronger market mechanisms, digital agriculture solutions and wider implementation of the ‘Per Drop More Crop’ initiative.

ICAR Director General and Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Dr Mangi Lal Jat identified self-reliance, crop diversification, climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture, digital agriculture and risk mitigation as key priorities for the Rabi campaign.

Jat particularly stressed the need to expand oilseed and pulse production through targeted diversification in rice-fallow areas. He said this would require a comprehensive technology package covering crop and variety selection, quality seeds, mechanisation, biological solutions and seed treatment. He also said large-scale demonstrations of green ammonia are planned across 10,000 acres in 37 districts of six states during the upcoming season.

Weekly monitoring and digital farmer database

Chouhan called for weekly monitoring of sowing progress, germination, crop conditions, pest and disease attacks and market prices. Real-time information, he said, would enable authorities to identify emerging problems and take corrective action quickly.

He also sought wider coverage of Kisan Credit Cards, particularly among small and marginal farmers, and faster completion of Farmer ID and AgriStack work. He stressed that tenant farmers and those cultivating land at different locations should not be excluded from the Farmer ID framework.

The two-day conference will conclude on September 29 with discussions involving state agriculture ministers on the weather outlook, fertiliser availability, Digital Agriculture Mission, Farmer Registry, pulses and edible oil missions, PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, marketing reforms and other Rabi preparedness measures. The discussions are expected to feed into a coordinated action plan for increasing Rabi production, strengthening farm resilience and improving farmer incomes.