Context:
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday announced that the government will adopt a crop-wise and state-specific planning approach to better align agricultural strategies and address regional challenges. The move is aimed at boosting productivity and ensuring timely policy interventions.
Focus on Strategic Crops
Chouhan said the initiative will begin with a review of soybean cultivation in Madhya Pradesh on June 26, followed by similar assessments for cotton and sugarcane. The government will take a targeted approach for crops such as:
- Pulses
- Oilseeds
- Soybean
- Cotton
- Sugarcane
“This crop-specific planning will help tailor interventions to the needs of farmers and regional conditions,” Chouhan stated during a media interaction following a review of the Vikshit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan.
Kharif Sowing Off to a Strong Start
- Kharif crop sowing has surpassed last year’s levels by 10% as of June 20, driven by a favourable southwest monsoon.
- Crops have been planted across 13.74 million hectares, with paddy sowing alone covering 1.32 million hectares, nearly 60% higher than the same period in 2024.
- Oilseed sowing, however, remains sluggish but is expected to pick up as the monsoon advances further into Central India.
Rainfall and Input Preparedness
- India recorded 105 mm of rainfall between June 1 and June 22, just 1% below normal, bolstering expectations of a strong agricultural season.
- Chouhan assured that adequate input arrangements are in place to support kharif sowing across states.
MSP Procurement for Pulses
In a move to support farmers affected by falling prices, the Ministry of Agriculture has approved procurement of moong and urad dal under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
