New Delhi, May 28 (H.S.): Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday said that the country’s total estimated foodgrain production for 2025-26 has reached 376.563 million tonnes, which is nearly 18.8 million tonnes higher than the previous year. He further stated that India has achieved a historic milestone in rice production.

He said that rice production has reached 154.024 million tonnes, enabling India to surpass China and become the world’s largest rice producer. He added that wheat production has been recorded at 120.657 million tonnes, while maize production has reached 55.092 million tonnes, both of which are at record levels.

Addressing a press conference related to the Kharif Conference at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute campus in Pusa, New Delhi, Chouhan said that ensuring the country’s food security, improving farmers’ livelihoods, and providing nutritious food to citizens remain the Central government’s top priorities.

The two-day National Kharif Campaign–2026, which commenced in Pusa, is being attended by Agriculture Ministers, scientists, and senior officials from across the country. Representatives from Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), states, and Union Territories are also participating in the important deliberations. The conference will hold extensive discussions and reviews over two days regarding preparations for the Kharif season, with the objective of providing farmers with better planning, improved technology, and stronger support systems.

On the occasion, Shivraj Chouhan said that the country has achieved significant success not only in foodgrain production but also in oilseed production. He stated that the estimated oilseed production for this year is expected to be 43.059 million tonnes. This includes groundnut production of 13.074 million tonnes and rapeseed-mustard production of 13.768 million tonnes, both of which are at record highs. He added that pulse production has also registered growth, and there remains strong potential for further increases in the coming years.

He further said that the horticulture sector is advancing rapidly in the country and holds immense potential. He informed that discussions during the conference would also focus on the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture and the Cotton Mission.

Describing climate change as a major challenge for the agriculture sector, the Union Agriculture Minister said that farming conditions are changing rapidly due to erratic weather patterns and irregular rainfall. Temperatures are continuously rising, while excessive rainfall often occurs within short periods followed by prolonged dry spells. He said that discussions would also focus on necessary measures to make agriculture safer and more sustainable under such changing conditions.

The Union Minister said that earlier the conference used to be held for only one day, but considering the size and diversity of the country, comprehensive discussions could not be completed in a single day. Therefore, on the first day, officials will hold detailed discussions in groups with different states, while on the second day, state Agriculture Ministers will also participate in the deliberations.

He further stated that this year not only the National Conference on Agriculture is being organised, but regional conferences have also been initiated. So far, three regional conferences have been held in Jaipur, Lucknow, and Bhubaneswar. In addition, two more conferences will be organised in the North-East and South India, the dates for which will be announced soon.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar