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Chouhan outlines three key priorities for Indian agriculture
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Monday, 21 September, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, Mumbai
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Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed the Regional Agriculture Conference for the Southern States in Hyderabad, with discussions focusing on regional agricultural challenges, crop diversification, the impact of El Niño and preparations for the upcoming Rabi season.
Addressing the conference, Chouhan said the deliberations were aimed at translating discussions into tangible improvements in farmers’ lives, strengthening India’s food security, creating employment opportunities through agriculture and giving fresh momentum to the economy through the farm sector. He said the government’s guiding principle was ‘Nation First’ and that agricultural issues should be addressed through cooperation between the Centre and states, irrespective of the political party governing a state.
Chouhan highlighted the continuing importance of agriculture despite rapid advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics and other technologies. He said farmers would remain central to food production, describing them as both ‘Annadata’ and ‘Jeevandata’.
He outlined three key priorities for Indian agriculture — ensuring food security for a population of more than 140 crore, securing farmers’ livelihoods by improving their incomes, and strengthening nutritional security by ensuring access to nutritious food. He also highlighted the potential of horticulture in southern India, particularly in spices, coffee, cashew, cocoa and sandalwood.
Emphasising the diversity of India’s agricultural landscape, Chouhan said different states and regions have varying agro-climatic conditions, soil characteristics, water availability and farming requirements. He said a single agricultural plan could not adequately address the needs of the entire country. The Rabi conference has consequently been expanded to two days to provide states with greater opportunity to present their concerns, challenges and suggestions and work with the Centre on region-specific agricultural plans.
He also called for a review of outdated laws, rules and procedures affecting farmers and citizens. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on reforms, Chouhan urged state governments to identify provisions that require changes and communicate matters requiring intervention by the Centre. He said reforms at both the central and state levels should ultimately ensure greater relief and benefits for citizens.
The conference also focused on presentations of best practices from different states, interaction with farmers and stakeholders, and identification of initiatives that can be adapted across regions. Chouhan said the Centre would provide full support to states, stressing that land and farmers are primarily within the states while the Centre can provide policy and other assistance.
Highlighting the potential of the coconut sector, Chouhan said India’s coconut exports increased from Rs 4,349 crore to Rs 7,038 crore in one year, representing a 62 per cent rise. He said a new scheme for promoting coconut announced in the Union Budget is set to become operational and urged southern states, which account for a significant share of the country’s coconut production, to prepare to utilise the initiative.
He also called for the phased rejuvenation of ageing coconut plantations, noting that older trees can experience declining productivity and quality. States were also urged to prepare for forthcoming promotion schemes for cashew and cocoa.
Chouhan further stressed the need to align domestic agricultural production with opportunities emerging from India’s Free Trade Agreements. He called for studies to identify products in demand in international markets and encouraged farmers to produce fruits, vegetables and grains that meet international quality standards. He said greater adoption of global standards across the agricultural value chain could help farmers access expanding international markets.
During the programme, Chouhan also said the Telangana government had initiated construction of two lakh houses, with the first instalment from the Government of India having been handed over to the Chief Minister of Telangana. Beneficiaries identified through surveys whose houses remain kutcha would also be covered in subsequent phases, he added.
The Southern Regional Agriculture Conference brought together the Centre, southern states and Union Territories, agricultural experts, ICAR institutions, progressive farmers and other stakeholders to discuss region-specific priorities and strengthen coordination towards sustainable and resilient agriculture.
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