National Conference Kicks Off to Strategise for a Bumper Rabi Season
The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has inaugurated the National Agriculture Conference on Rabi Abhiyan 2025, a high-level summit in New Delhi designed to meticulously plan and strategize for the upcoming winter crop season. In a significant structural change, the conference has been extended to a two-day event for the first time, a move that underscores the government's intensified focus on ensuring a productive, sustainable, and profitable Rabi season for the nation's farmers.
A Collaborative Blueprint for Success
The conference has brought together a diverse and influential group of stakeholders on a single platform, including State Agriculture Ministers, senior officials from both the central and state governments, leading agricultural scientists, and key policymakers from across the country. The collaborative format is designed to foster a comprehensive dialogue, aligning national priorities with state-level implementation strategies. Discussions on the opening day are centered on key operational issues related to Rabi crops, setting the stage for more detailed consultations on the second day between Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and his state counterparts. The overarching goal is to create a unified and actionable roadmap that ensures farmers have timely access to the best available resources, from the latest farming technologies to improved, high-yield seed varieties.
Bridging the Gap Between Lab and Land
In a landmark move to ensure that policy is informed by on-the-ground realities, the conference has, for the first time, invited scientists from the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). These agricultural extension centers are at the forefront of implementing new technologies at the district level, and their inclusion is a strategic step to bring invaluable regional experiences and field-level feedback directly into the national planning process. This integration of grassroots knowledge is expected to make the final policy framework more robust, practical, and responsive to the diverse challenges faced by farmers in different agro-climatic zones.
Sharing Knowledge for a Resilient Future
Beyond setting targets, a key focus of the two-day event is the sharing of best practices and success stories from various states, with a clear emphasis on identifying and replicating successful models nationwide. Expert-led sessions will cover a wide range of critical topics, including advanced weather forecasting to mitigate climate risks, efficient fertilizer management to optimize input costs, strategies for crop diversification to enhance farm income, and the latest technological interventions that can boost productivity. The conference is not just about planning for the immediate 2025-26 season; it is a forward-looking exercise aimed at advancing the long-term national goals of higher farmer income, building more resilient farming systems, and safeguarding India's food security for the future.
