National Kharif Conference focuses on climate resilience, pulses, oilseeds, digital agriculture and sustainable farming as Centre and States prepare joint roadmap for the upcoming crop season

The Centre has intensified preparations for the Kharif 2026 season with a two-day National Agriculture Conference in New Delhi, bringing together policymakers, agricultural scientists, state governments and industry stakeholders to formulate a coordinated strategy for India’s next phase of agricultural growth.

Addressing the Kharif Conference at Pusa Campus, New Delhi, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said ensuring food security, improving farmer incomes and delivering nutritious food to citizens remain the government’s top priorities.

The conference comes at a significant time for Indian agriculture, with the country recording its highest-ever foodgrain production of 376.56 million tonnes in 2025-26, driven by record output in rice, wheat, maize and several oilseed crops.

Key Highlights

• India records historic foodgrain production of 376.56 million tonnes
• Rice production reaches record 154.02 million tonnes
• India becomes the world’s largest rice producer, surpassing China
• Kharif Conference brings together Centre, States, ICAR and agricultural stakeholders
• Focus on climate-resilient agriculture, natural farming and soil health
• Special emphasis on pulses and oilseed self-sufficiency
• Regional agriculture strategies to play a larger role in policymaking
• Digital agriculture, Farmer ID and FPO strengthening under discussion

Record Harvest Sets the Stage for Kharif Planning

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, India’s foodgrain production is estimated at 376.56 million tonnes, nearly 18.8 million tonnes higher than the previous year.

Rice production has touched a record 154.02 million tonnes, while wheat production is estimated at 120.66 million tonnes and maize output at 55.09 million tonnes.

The country has also registered strong growth in oilseed production, reaching an estimated 43.06 million tonnes, with groundnut and rapeseed-mustard both achieving record output levels.

Officials noted that the production gains have been supported by improved seed varieties, scientific farming practices, policy interventions and stronger collaboration between states and agricultural institutions.

‘Team Agriculture’ Approach to Drive Future Growth

Shivraj Singh Chouhan described the conference as a gathering of “Team Agriculture” comprising central and state governments, scientists, farmer organisations, agricultural institutions and industry stakeholders.

The minister emphasised that agriculture remains a state subject and that stronger Centre-State collaboration is essential for addressing local challenges and improving implementation outcomes.

Unlike previous editions, the Kharif Conference has been expanded into a two-day exercise to enable detailed state-wise and thematic consultations.

Regional Agriculture Strategies Gain Importance

Recognising India’s diverse climatic and farming conditions, the Ministry has increasingly shifted towards region-specific planning.

The government has already organised regional agriculture conferences in Jaipur, Lucknow and Bhubaneswar, while similar consultations are planned for southern and northeastern states.

Officials indicated that future agricultural planning may increasingly align with India’s agro-climatic zones to create more targeted interventions for farmers facing region-specific challenges.

Climate Change and Sustainability at the Centre of Discussions

Climate variability remains one of the key concerns driving discussions at the conference.

The Ministry highlighted challenges such as:

• Rising temperatures
• Irregular rainfall patterns
• Prolonged dry spells
• Extreme weather events
• Soil degradation

As a result, deliberations are focusing on climate-resilient agriculture, natural farming, balanced fertiliser usage, Soil Health Cards and sustainable resource management practices.

The ongoing Khet Bachao Abhiyan and soil health initiatives are also expected to play a larger role in future agricultural policy implementation.

Self-Reliance in Pulses and Oilseeds Remains a Priority

The government reiterated its commitment to reducing dependence on imports of pulses and edible oils.

Dedicated missions for pulses and oilseeds are being reviewed during the conference, with discussions covering:

• Quality seed availability
• Seed replacement rates
• Demonstration programmes
• Processing infrastructure
• Farmer awareness campaigns
• Value-chain development

Officials believe increasing domestic production of these commodities will strengthen food security while improving farmer profitability.

Digital Agriculture and Financing Under Review

The conference is also examining ways to accelerate digital transformation in agriculture through:

• Farmer ID implementation
• Digital agriculture platforms
• Precision farming technologies
• Strengthening Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)
• Expansion of agricultural credit access
• Improved risk management systems

The government is also reviewing the performance of schemes such as the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund and PM-AASHA to improve farm-level investments and market linkages.

Impact on Hospitality, Foodservice and Tourism

The outcomes of the Kharif Conference have direct implications for India’s hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors. Record production of rice, wheat, maize, pulses and oilseeds can help improve supply stability and availability of key ingredients used across hotels, restaurants, catering operations and food manufacturing units. The emphasis on horticulture, climate-resilient agriculture and crop diversification supports the growing demand for farm-to-table dining, wellness cuisine and locally sourced menus. Increasing self-sufficiency in pulses and edible oils could also help reduce supply-side volatility for food businesses. Additionally, the promotion of sustainable farming practices, natural agriculture and regional crop development creates opportunities for agritourism, rural tourism and culinary tourism experiences that are increasingly becoming part of destination branding strategies across India.

Industry Outlook

As India prepares for the Kharif 2026 season, the conference signals a broader shift towards region-specific agricultural planning, climate adaptation and technology-driven farming. Combined with record crop production and expanding agricultural infrastructure, the initiatives discussed at the conference are expected to strengthen food security, support rural livelihoods and reinforce the agricultural foundation that underpins India’s hospitality, food processing and tourism economy.