Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday, 28 May 2026, declared that the Centre's preparations for the kharif season are in full swing, with 'Team Agriculture' prioritising self-reliance in pulses and oilseeds. Chouhan made the remarks while addressing the Kharif Conclave-2026 at Pusa Complex, New Delhi, attended by state agriculture ministers, scientists, and senior officials from across the country.

What the Conclave Covers

The two-day conclave brings together representatives from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), all states, and Union Territories for a detailed review of kharif and rabi crop preparations. Discussions are focused on the availability of suitable seeds, increasing the seed replacement rate, and effective delivery of agriculture missions at the ground level.

Separate missions have been created for pulses and oilseeds, Chouhan confirmed. The conclave will also deliberate on the Integrated Development of Horticulture and Cotton Mission, demonstration and processing arrangements, and the promotion of natural farming, soil health cards, and balanced fertiliser use.

Record Foodgrain Output in 2025-26

Chouhan highlighted that India has achieved a record total estimated foodgrain production of 3,765.63 lakh tonnes in 2025-26 — approximately 188 lakh tonnes more than the previous year. He attributed the milestone to farmers' hard work, Central government schemes, and newly developed seed varieties.

India has also set a new record in rice production, reaching 1,540.24 lakh tonnes, surpassing China to become the world's top rice producer, according to Chouhan. Oilseed production is estimated at 430.59 lakh tonnes, with groundnut output at 130.74 lakh tonnes and rapeseed-mustard at 137.68 lakh tonnes — both at record levels. Pulses production has also registered an increase, with further gains expected in coming years.

Climate Change Flagged as a Key Challenge

The minister described climate change as a major challenge for Indian agriculture, citing erratic rainfall, prolonged dry spells, and rising temperatures as rapidly altering farming conditions. He said the conclave will specifically address strategies to keep farming safe and sustainable in this changing environment.

Notably, Chouhan acknowledged that agriculture is a state subject and that better outcomes depend on state-level implementation, with the Centre playing a supporting role. Prior to the conclave, virtual meetings were held with states to align on key topics.

What Comes Next

The conclave's outcomes are expected to feed directly into kharif season planning across states. With a fresh push on oilseed and pulse self-reliance, the government is signalling a strategic shift away from import dependence — a recurring pressure point for India's food inflation management. How states translate the conclave's directives into on-ground delivery will be the critical test in the months ahead.