“Rules Must Serve Farmers”: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

• Shivraj Singh Chouhan chaired National Agriculture Conference in Delhi
• Record foodgrain production of 376.56 million tonnes highlighted
• States urged to ensure timely seed, fertiliser and credit access
• Minister calls for crackdown on fake seeds and substandard pesticides

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 29th May: Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday called for simpler, farmer-friendly governance and urged states to remove unnecessary procedural hurdles in agriculture, asserting that “farmers are not meant to serve rules; rules must serve farmers.”

Addressing the second day of the National Agriculture Conference – Kharif Campaign 2026 at Pusa, New Delhi, Chouhan held extensive discussions with state agriculture ministers, scientists, officials and progressive farmers on strategies to accelerate agricultural growth through time-bound and result-oriented action.

Describing the gathering as a historic meeting of the “Agriculture Team of India”, the minister said strong cooperation between the Centre and states would be key to advancing farmer welfare and agricultural development.

Highlighting India’s agricultural achievements, Chouhan said the country’s total foodgrain production has reached a record 376.563 million tonnes according to the third advance estimates. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi, farmers, scientists and state governments for the achievement.

The minister noted that India has emerged as the world’s leading rice producer and has also made significant progress in wheat, maize, pulses and oilseeds production. However, he stressed that the focus must now shift towards increasing farmer incomes, strengthening food security and ensuring nutritional security.

Chouhan directed states to closely monitor implementation of major initiatives such as the Pulses Mission, Oilseeds Mission and Cotton Mission. He also urged scientists to focus on practical, demand-driven research and develop improved crop varieties suited to farmers’ needs.

Expressing concern over delays in seed distribution despite adequate availability, the minister instructed states to ensure timely lifting and distribution of breeder seeds and maintain strict vigilance against poor-quality seeds entering the market. He also highlighted the creation of a national seed reserve mechanism to address emergency situations.

The minister placed special emphasis on effective use of Soil Health Cards, balanced fertiliser application and the upcoming ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’, which will run from June 1 to June 30 and involve scientists, officials, public representatives and farmers in awareness campaigns at the village level.

On agricultural credit, Chouhan said timely access to finance remains critical and announced plans for discussions with banks to improve credit availability, particularly in eastern and northeastern states.

He also called for stronger action against counterfeit seeds, substandard pesticides and defective agricultural inputs, describing such practices as a form of national damage. States were asked to intensify inspections, strengthen laboratories and ensure strict legal action against offenders.

Concluding the conference, Chouhan urged states to prepare agriculture roadmaps based on local agro-climatic conditions and assured full support from the Centre. He expressed confidence that with cooperation from states, scientists and farmers, India would continue to set new benchmarks in agricultural production and emerge as a global leader across multiple farm sectors.