Key Points
- Central teams to assess drought conditions in Maharashtra and Karnataka within days
- States must submit Rabi crop plans for pulses and oilseeds by 29 September
- Centre spending approximately ₹2 lakh crore annually on fertiliser subsidies
Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday directed states to base their Rabi 2026 crop planning on water availability assessments, warning that conventional approaches would not address climate change challenges affecting food security.
Launching the two-day National Agriculture Conference for Rabi Campaign 2026 in New Delhi, Chouhan asked every state and district to complete water budget assessments before finalising crop plans. Areas with limited water should prioritise pulses and oilseeds, which require less irrigation, while regions with assured water supply can plan other crops.
“There should be no situation where a crop requiring more water is sown and adequate water is subsequently unavailable, resulting in crop losses,” Chouhan said, noting that the Rabi sowing window is approaching and preparations must begin immediately.
Drought assessment
The minister expressed concern over drought conditions affecting nearly two-thirds of Maharashtra, which has declared drought, and Karnataka, which faces drought-like conditions. A Central team will undertake ground assessment in Karnataka on 3 October, with another team to be sent to Maharashtra.
Chouhan said he would personally visit the affected states and assured that the Central government stands with farmers during the difficult period. Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh would need crop plans based specifically on water availability and soil moisture, with separate strategies for rainfed and irrigated areas.
Delayed sowing affects both germination and productivity, making timely preparation essential, he cautioned.
Procurement and seeds
Chouhan directed states to submit their Rabi plans by 29 September, indicating the area to be brought under pulses including chana, masoor and mustard. These crops are central to the national objective of achieving self-reliance in pulses and edible oils.
“If there are areas where nothing is grown after paddy, this is an opportunity to encourage farmers to take up pulses,” he said.
On procurement, Chouhan said arrangements must be planned alongside production so farmers have market confidence. If state governments cannot undertake procurement on time, Central nodal agencies NAFED and NCCF will purchase directly from farmers. The Centre has approved proposals for procurement of pulses and oilseeds under the Price Support Scheme.
The minister called seed availability the most critical factor in Rabi preparations. He expressed concern that some states neither place seed demands in adequate time nor lift required quantities, resulting in distribution delays. In some cases, seed varieties reach farmers after the sowing window closes.
Fertiliser and monitoring
Chouhan called for greater emphasis on balanced fertiliser use, noting that excessive application raises cultivation costs and can affect soil health. The Centre currently spends approximately ₹2 lakh crore on fertiliser subsidies, with farmers receiving urea at ₹266 per bag and DAP at ₹1,350 per bag.
He urged states to extend the Khet Bachao Abhiyan, a soil health initiative launched during the Kharif season, to Rabi as well. The minister cited southern states where fertiliser use has declined without affecting production.
By the numbers
Key figures from this story- ₹2 lakh crore
- Annual fertiliser subsidy spending
- 9.54 crore
- Farmer families covered under PM-KISAN
- 29 September
- Deadline for state crop plan submissions
The minister called for weekly monitoring in every state covering crop conditions, sowing progress, germination, pest and disease attacks and market prices. Real-time information would enable authorities to identify emerging problems and take corrective action without delay.
On farmer coverage, Chouhan noted that approximately 9.54 crore farmer families have been covered under PM-KISAN, but Kisan Credit Card coverage remains inadequate in several areas, particularly among small and marginal farmers. He asked states to identify areas where coverage is low and examine bottlenecks in loan sanctioning.
Atish Chandra, secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, emphasised the need for agricultural diversification and sustainable farming practices amid changing weather patterns and uneven rainfall.
Your Questions, Answered
What is the deadline for states to submit Rabi 2026 crop plans?
States must submit their Rabi crop plans by 29 September, indicating the area to be brought under pulses and oilseeds including chana, masoor and mustard.
Which states are facing drought conditions ahead of Rabi 2026?
Nearly two-thirds of Maharashtra has been affected by drought, with the state declaring drought. Karnataka is also facing drought-like conditions. Central teams will assess both states.
What is the Centre's current fertiliser subsidy expenditure?
The Centre is currently spending approximately ₹2 lakh crore on fertiliser subsidies. Farmers receive urea at ₹266 per bag and DAP at ₹1,350 per bag.
What happens if state governments cannot procure crops on time?
If state governments are unable to undertake procurement on time, Central nodal agencies NAFED and NCCF will undertake direct procurement from farmers under the Price Support Scheme.
