The National Agriculture Conference – Rabi Campaign 2025 concluded on 16th September at Pusa, New Delhi, with a strong message of “One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team.” Chaired by Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the two-day event brought together agriculture ministers, senior officials, scientists and farmer representatives from across India to review rabi season preparedness and share strategies for strengthening India’s farm economy.
Chouhan, in his address, said India’s agriculture sector continues to register 3.7% growth, the highest globally and reaffirmed the Centre’s goal of making India the “food basket of the world.” He also announced a crackdown on counterfeit seeds, fertilisers and pesticides, stating that only bio-stimulants meeting Government standards would be allowed in the market. The event also saw the release of several agricultural publications and six breakout sessions for detailed discussions on irrigation, crop planning, and farmer-centric innovations.
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Jharkhand Pitched Key Proposals to Ease Financial Burden
Representing Jharkhand, Agriculture Department Special Secretary Gopal Ji Tiwari urged the Centre to allow the use of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and DMFT (District Mineral Foundation Trust) funds in agriculture schemes to reduce the state’s subsidy load and expand reach to more farmers. He noted that the state provides a 30% top-up grant under mechanisation schemes to benefit SC/ST farmers, in addition to the Centre’s 50% support, which puts a heavy burden on state resources.
Jharkhand also recommended that smaller scheme funds under RKVY and Krishonuday be made interchangeable under a Chief Secretary led committee for better flexibility and faster implementation. Officials highlighted that industrialisation and mining in the state impact agriculture the most, making it logical to use CSR and DMFT resources to support farming communities.
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Call for Cluster-Based Approach and Integrated Model
The Atate advocated shifting the unit of scheme achievement from family to cluster, defining each cluster as a group of 100 villages to ensure collective development and better monitoring. It also proposed an integrated agriculture model combining components of PDMC, MIDH, KCC, and Soil Health initiatives, making it easier for farmers to access multiple benefits under a single framework, especially important for Jharkhand where 85% of agriculture is rain-fed.
National Focus on Rabi Strategy and Farmer Welfare
The conference also discussed expansion of the PM Fasal Bima Yojana, relaunch of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan from October, and rapid relief operations for flood-hit regions. Agriculture ministers from several states presented their local challenges and shared solutions aimed at improving productivity and farmer incomes. The Centre is expected to consider state inputs while finalising Rabi action plans and convergence strategies for 2025–26.
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