India Shifts to Region-Specific Agricultural Strategy; Focus on Self-Reliance and Farmer-Centric Reforms: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

In a major policy shift aimed at transforming India's agricultural landscape, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has announced that the future of Indian agriculture will no longer be guided by a "one-size-fits-all" national approach, but by region-specific, climate-responsive and farmer-centric strategies.

Addressing a press conference on the sidelines of the Northern Regional Agriculture Conference in Lucknow, the Minister outlined a comprehensive roadmap that signals a structural transition in agricultural planning—placing profitability, sustainability, and farmer welfare at the core of policy design.

From Uniform Policy to Region-Wise Agricultural Planning

Describing the conference as a turning point, Shri Chouhan said that India's vast agro-climatic diversity necessitates tailored solutions based on regional conditions such as water availability, soil type, cropping patterns, and climate variability.

"The era of uniform agricultural policy is over. Planning must now reflect the realities of each region," he stated, noting that the country has been divided into five agricultural zones, with dedicated regional conferences to address specific challenges and opportunities.

The Lucknow conference marks the second phase of this nationwide initiative aimed at building a coordinated yet decentralized agricultural strategy.

Three Core National Goals Driving Agricultural Policy

Reaffirming the government's priorities, the Minister highlighted three overarching objectives:

• Ensuring national food security for 1.4 billion citizens

• Enhancing farmers' income and livelihoods

• Providing nutritious food to the population

Despite record foodgrain production, he emphasized that self-reliance in pulses and oilseeds remains a critical gap, requiring urgent policy attention.

Six-Pillar Strategy for Agricultural Transformation

To achieve these goals, the government is advancing a six-pillar strategy:

1. Increasing agricultural production

2. Reducing cost of cultivation

3. Ensuring fair price realization for farmers

4. Providing compensation for crop losses

5. Promoting diversification beyond wheat and paddy

6. Strengthening market linkages

This marks a shift from production-centric policies to a holistic income-oriented framework.

Integrated Farming and Diversification for Small Farmers

Recognizing the challenges faced by small and marginal farmers—particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh—the Minister strongly advocated integrated farming systems.

These include:

• Intercropping and mixed farming

• Horticulture (fruits and vegetables)

• Animal husbandry and dairy

• Fisheries and aquaculture

• Beekeeping and agroforestry

Such diversified models, he noted, can maximize income from limited land holdings and reduce dependence on single crops.

Push for Kisan Credit Card and Farmer ID

A major focus area is improving farmers' access to institutional credit and government schemes.

• A nationwide campaign will ensure universal coverage of Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) to provide affordable loans

• The Farmer ID system is being expanded to create a unified digital database of farmers, integrating land records, livestock data, and eligibility for schemes

This digital transformation is expected to streamline benefit delivery, reduce paperwork, and enhance transparency.

Bridging 'Lab to Land' Through Scientific Outreach

The government is also intensifying efforts to translate agricultural research into practical field applications.

Under the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, teams of scientists and officials will:

• Visit villages directly

• Conduct farmer interactions and demonstrations

• Share modern technologies, improved seeds, and scientific practices

"Research has value only when it reaches the farmer's field," Shri Chouhan emphasized.

Relief Measures and Infrastructure Push

Addressing immediate concerns, the Minister announced:

• Procurement of 20 lakh metric tonnes of potatoes under MIS to support farmers affected by falling prices

• Establishment of an International Processing Centre in Uttar Pradesh to boost storage, processing, and value addition

These measures aim to stabilize incomes and strengthen the agricultural value chain.

Fertiliser Subsidy Shield and Cost Control

In response to rising global fertiliser prices, the government has approved an additional ₹41,000 crore subsidy, ensuring:

• Urea remains available at ₹266 per bag

• DAP at ₹1,350 per bag

The Minister reiterated that the government is absorbing global price shocks to protect farmers from rising input costs.

Crackdown on Fake Inputs and Stronger Laws Ahead

Taking a firm stance on agricultural fraud, Shri Chouhan announced plans to introduce stricter provisions in the Seeds Act and Pesticides Act to combat:

• Fake seeds

• Adulterated fertilisers

• Substandard pesticides

He warned that such practices not only harm crop yields but also pose serious risks to human health, calling for zero tolerance against offenders.

Promoting Natural Farming and Sustainable Practices

The Minister highlighted the government's push for natural farming under a dedicated national mission.

Recognizing the transition challenges, financial assistance per hectare is being provided to support farmers shifting away from chemical-intensive practices. The initiative aims to:

• Restore soil health

• Reduce input costs

• Improve long-term sustainability

Building a Market-Linked Agricultural Economy

Looking ahead, the government is focusing on integrating agriculture with:

• Food processing industries

• Export-oriented strategies

• Demand-driven production systems

Efforts are underway to develop state-specific export and processing strategies, particularly for fruits, vegetables, and high-value crops from northern India.

Toward a Future-Ready Agricultural System

The Northern Regional Agriculture Conference is being seen as a policy and implementation milestone, with its recommendations expected to shape both immediate crop strategies and long-term reforms.

Summing up the vision, Shri Chouhan said:

"Agriculture must evolve into a science-based, region-specific, market-linked and profitable enterprise—where the farmer remains at the centre of every decision."

He emphasized that the future of Indian agriculture lies in treating it not merely as crop production, but as an integrated economic activity encompassing processing, value addition, technology, and sustainability.

With a decisive shift toward decentralized planning, digital integration, and income-focused reforms, India's agricultural policy is entering a new phase—one that aims to secure food systems, empower farmers, and build a resilient rural economy.