Grain production has increased by 50 per cent in the last decade, says Shivraj Chouhan

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has stated that grain production in India has increased by approximately 50 per cent during the last decade. Attending the 'Bharat Agriculture Conference 2026' organised in New Delhi virtually, and according to a report by India Today, he said that since 2014-15, India's agricultural growth rate has increased to 4.5 per cent, compared to approximately 3 per cent during the Green Revolution.

Chouhan added that India has become self-reliant in foodgrains and is among the world's leading countries in the production of several crops, although gaps are still observed in the pulses and oilseeds sectors. The government's goal is to increase the current 376 million tonnes of grain production to 550 million tonnes by 2047.

Speaking on government priorities, the Minister stated that focus is being placed on increasing farmers' income, reducing cultivation costs, and ensuring fair prices. He acknowledged that farmers are frequently affected by bad weather, market fluctuations, and the difference between farm-gate prices and retail prices. As government assistance, he mentioned crop insurance payouts of ₹2.09 lakh crore, ₹4.66 lakh crore distributed under PM-Kisan, and the increase in fertiliser subsidies. The government is working to maintain a balance between the interests of farmers and the need for affordable food for consumers through import-export policies.

Regarding the use of technology, Chouhan stated that more than 11 crore farmers have been provided with a digital 'Farmer ID' to ensure ease in obtaining loans, insurance, and government benefits. The government is promoting climate-resilient seeds, drones, soil testing, and digital platforms providing information on weather, crop diseases, and markets. Agricultural research will now focus more on farmers' needs, while horticulture clusters and free trade agreements will help increase exports.

Vijay Nakra, President of Farm Equipment Business at Mahindra & Mahindra Group, stated at this conclave that there is an urgent need to increase value addition across the entire agricultural chain. He noted that India's level of mechanisation in agriculture is much lower compared to advanced countries, where it is approximately 90 per cent.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan is serving as the Union Agriculture Minister in the Government of India.