Archive · 29 Sep 2026
Shivraj urges Centre, states to put farmers above politics
Shivraj Chouhan asked national and state governments to work together for farmers.
He said political disagreements should not stop cooperation.
He spoke at the National Agriculture Conference — Rabi Campaign 2026.
The Union government gave financial sanction letters worth more than Rs 1,200 crore to 10 states.
West Bengal received the largest amount.
Chouhan said farming and foodgrain production have grown in recent years.
States will have monthly meetings to review agricultural work.
They must also choose suitable seeds, protect crops and help farmers receive fair prices.
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Chouhan urged the Centre and states to work together beyond party politics to support farmers and food security.
The Union government sanctioned more than Rs 1,200 crore under the Prime Minister Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana for 10 states.
West Bengal received the largest allocation at Rs 290 crore, followed by Haryana with Rs 198 crore.
Chouhan said agriculture growth rose from 3% in 2015 to 4.5%, while annual foodgrain production growth increased to 84 lakh tonnes.
States were directed to prepare for the rabi season, protect crops, expand Kisan Credit Card coverage and ensure procurement payments within 48 hours.
- Who
- Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Chouhan, the Union government, state governments, scientists and farmers.
- What
- The government discussed rabi-season preparations, agricultural performance, cooperation with states and more than Rs 1,200 crore in state funding.
- When
- Tuesday, during the second day of the National Agriculture Conference — Rabi Campaign 2026.
- Why
- To strengthen food security, improve farmers’ livelihoods, coordinate agricultural work and ensure timely implementation of schemes.
- Funding announced
- More than Rs 1,200 crore under the Prime Minister Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.
- States funded
- Ten states: West Bengal, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Mizoram, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand and Punjab.
- Largest allocation
- West Bengal was sanctioned Rs 290 crore.
- Agriculture growth
- Chouhan said the agriculture growth rate rose from 3% in 2015 to 4.5%.
- Foodgrain production
- The average annual increase rose from around 40 lakh tonnes to 84 lakh tonnes.
- Rabi production increase
- Rabi foodgrain production increased by 205 lakh tonnes between 2023-24 and 2025-26.
- Procurement payments
- The government plans to procure 100% of tur, urad and masoor at MSP, with payment arrangements within 48 hours.