Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced a major shift in India’s agricultural policy approach, emphasizing region-specific planning and direct engagement with farmers during a landmark conference held in Jaipur.
Addressing the gathering, Chouhan stated that a first-of-its-kind regional agricultural conference is being organized, bringing together representatives from five states—Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa. The event witnessed participation from state ministers, senior government officials, scientists, agricultural experts, progressive farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and institutions spanning the entire agricultural value chain from seeds to markets.
“Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy, and the country’s food security depends on it,” Chouhan said, underlining the sector’s critical importance. He highlighted that earlier discussions were largely conducted at the national level for kharif and rabi crops, but time constraints limited in-depth deliberations.
To address this gap, the government has now introduced a decentralized approach. “From this time, we have started this tradition of regional conferences,” he announced, adding that similar meetings will be conducted across different agricultural climate zones in the country.
A key outcome of these conferences will be the creation of state-specific agricultural roadmaps, tailored to local climatic conditions, crop patterns, and farming practices. Chouhan emphasized that such targeted planning will enable more effective policy implementation and better support for farmers.
The minister also spoke about revamping the “Developed Agriculture Resolution Campaign,” which was earlier conducted uniformly across the country. Recognizing the diversity in agricultural cycles, he said, “This time, states will create their own campaigns, considering differences in crop types, sowing, and harvesting patterns.”
He further stressed the importance of bridging the gap between research and practical application. Scientists and central government officials will directly engage with farmers, ensuring that innovations developed in laboratories are effectively translated into field-level benefits.
Chouhan’s announcement signals a transformative shift toward localized agricultural planning, aiming to empower farmers with region-specific solutions while strengthening India’s food security framework.
