Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan held a virtual meeting with Agriculture Ministers and senior officials from multiple states to conduct a comprehensive review of the implementation of the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana and Krishi Unnati schemes, while announcing large-scale procurement of gram, mustard and lentil for the Rabi 2026 season.
The review covered the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Tripura, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana. Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasised that as the financial year approaches its close, states must ensure 100 per cent utilisation of funds allocated by the Central Government by March 31, strictly in the interest of farmers.
He underlined that delays or partial expenditure dilute the impact of farmer-oriented schemes and weaken outcomes at the grassroots level. A detailed state-wise and scheme-wise assessment was undertaken to evaluate progress under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana and Krishi Unnati. The Minister reiterated that the tangible benefits of these schemes must reach every village and every farm through effective and timely implementation.
A total of 18 schemes are currently being implemented under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana and Krishi Unnati. The Union Minister stressed that proper utilisation of funds will strengthen agricultural infrastructure, enhance productivity and directly benefit farmers across the country.
During the meeting, Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced major procurement approvals under the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan for the Rabi 2026 season. The initiative aims to provide strong price support through structured procurement mechanisms, ensuring remunerative returns and protection against market volatility.
Under the Price Support Scheme component of Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan, approval has been granted for procurement of 7,61,250 metric tonnes of gram in Maharashtra, 4,13,250 metric tonnes in Gujarat, 5,80,000 metric tonnes in Madhya Pradesh and 5,53,000 metric tonnes in Rajasthan.
For mustard, approval has been accorded for procurement of 13,78,750 metric tonnes in Rajasthan and 1,33,000 metric tonnes in Gujarat under the same scheme.
Additionally, approval has been granted for procurement of 6,01,000 metric tonnes of lentil in Madhya Pradesh for the Rabi 2026 season.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that assured procurement at Minimum Support Price will provide farmers the confidence to sell their produce without distress and ensure income security during periods of falling market prices. He noted that such interventions shield farmers from exploitation by intermediaries and stabilise farm incomes.
The Minister elaborated that Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan comprises the Price Support Scheme, Price Deficiency Payment Scheme, Market Intervention Scheme and the Price Stabilisation Fund. Together, these mechanisms are designed to guarantee remunerative prices, protect farm incomes and reduce risks arising from price fluctuations.
Highlighting a long-term structural initiative, Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced decisive implementation of the Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission. Under this mission, by 2030-31, the entire quantity of pigeon pea, urad and lentil offered by pre-registered farmers will be procured through central nodal agencies.
He said this commitment will provide an assured market and assured prices to farmers while advancing India’s goal of achieving self-reliance in pulses production. The mission is expected to reduce dependence on imports, stabilise the domestic pulses economy and encourage farmers to expand cultivation.
According to the Minister, assured procurement under the Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission will incentivise farmers to adopt improved technologies, enhance productivity and diversify cropping patterns. He added that pulses cultivation contributes positively to soil health, crop rotation and nutritional security.
Reaffirming the Central Government’s commitment to farmers’ welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that initiatives such as Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan, the Price Support Scheme, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, Krishi Unnati and the Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission collectively form a comprehensive protective framework. These interventions address price risks, productivity gaps, infrastructure needs and market access challenges in an integrated manner.
He concluded by urging states to act as active partners in implementing these schemes, emphasising that coordinated efforts between the Centre and states are essential to achieve a resilient, prosperous and self-reliant agricultural sector.
