Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday, 28 September directed state governments to move away from habit-driven sowing and adopt a science-based, region-specific strategy for the rabi season 2026, citing uneven rainfall during the kharif cycle as a warning signal for water-stressed winter cropping. The appeal came at the opening of a two-day national conference on Rabi Campaign 2026 in New Delhi.

The Core Message: Water First, Crop Second

Chouhan stressed that states must assess reservoir levels, irrigation infrastructure, and soil moisture conditions before locking in sowing plans. He cautioned explicitly against cultivating water-intensive crop varieties in regions likely to face shortages — a practice that, critics argue, has historically led to groundwater depletion and crop losses in deficit-rainfall years.

According to the minister, advance planning for both pre-sowing irrigation and subsequent watering schedules would be critical to securing a successful winter harvest. This comes amid a kharif season marked by sharp contrasts — some districts logging surplus rainfall while others recorded drought-like conditions, straining water tables unevenly across states.

Push for Pulses and Oilseeds

Beyond the water-management directive, Chouhan called for a concerted push to expand cultivation of pulses and oilseeds, particularly in rice-fallow areas where residual soil moisture remains available after the kharif harvest. States have been asked to prepare district-level plans promoting crops such as gram, lentil, and mustard using region-appropriate agronomic practices.

The emphasis on pulses and oilseeds reflects a broader policy priority: India remains a net importer of edible oils and faces recurring domestic shortfalls in pulses, making self-sufficiency in these crops a strategic economic goal alongside food security.

Market Linkages and Procurement

Acknowledging that farmers respond to price signals, Chouhan said efficient procurement systems and market linkages are essential to incentivise diversification beyond wheat and rice. He called for stronger procurement and marketing arrangements for pulses and oilseeds, along with investment in processing capacity and export-quality production.

Notably, the absence of robust minimum support price (MSP) procurement for many pulse and oilseed varieties has historically discouraged farmers from shifting away from staple cereals, even when soil and water conditions would support diversification.

Fertiliser Supply in Focus

On farm inputs, the minister underlined the importance of timely fertiliser availability and efficient distribution ahead of the rabi sowing window. Disruptions in fertiliser supply chains during peak demand periods have previously led to delayed sowing and yield losses, making pre-season logistics planning a recurring concern for state agriculture departments.

What Happens Next

The two-day conference is expected to produce state-wise action plans incorporating water-availability assessments and crop diversification targets. The outcomes will feed into the Centre's rabi production estimates and inform procurement planning for the season. With climate variability increasingly disrupting traditional sowing calendars, the pressure on states to move from fixed cropping patterns to adaptive, data-driven strategies is set to intensify in the seasons ahead.