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India aims to emerge as global food basket
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Friday, 16 October, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, Mumbai
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India aims to emerge as the world’s food basket by strengthening agricultural production, improving storage and expanding exports, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan said at the 10th National Convention of Agrivision in Pusa, Delhi.
Addressing the convention, Chouhan said India had moved from dependence on imported foodgrains under the PL-480 programme to self-reliance in foodgrain production. He noted that the country’s total agricultural production increased by 49 per cent between 2014 and 2024. India now ranks first globally in rice production and exports and second in wheat production.
The minister said the focus must extend beyond increasing production to improving scientific storage, strengthening supply chain management and expanding access to international markets. These measures would help reduce post-harvest losses, improve the utilisation of agricultural produce and create better income opportunities for farmers.
Chouhan announced that the government would take strict measures against private agricultural colleges operating without adequate standards and institutions issuing fake degrees. An Agriculture Council would soon be established to regulate these institutions and improve accountability in agricultural education.
He emphasised that agricultural institutions must provide quality education rather than operate solely as commercial entities collecting fees and awarding degrees. The government would work to safeguard the value of qualifications such as Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSc Agriculture) and Master of Science in Agriculture (MSc Agriculture), ensuring that students receive credible qualifications that support their career prospects.
The proposed regulatory framework aims to strengthen the quality of agricultural education, protect students’ investments in their studies and ensure that graduates are equipped to contribute to the development of the agricultural sector.
Highlighting the challenges faced by small and marginal farmers, Chouhan pointed to India’s average landholding size of 0.96 hectares and stressed the need to diversify agricultural activities to improve rural incomes.
He called for an integrated farming approach that combines foodgrain cultivation with fruit and vegetable production, medicinal plant farming, animal husbandry, fisheries, beekeeping and natural farming. Diversification, he said, could help farmers reduce dependence on a single crop, spread risks and build more stable income sources.
The minister also underscored the importance of integrating modern technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and robotics, into agricultural practices. Greater adoption of these technologies could support farm modernisation, improve operational efficiency and strengthen productivity.
Chouhan urged agricultural scientists, researchers, students and farmers’ organisations attending the convention to develop practical recommendations addressing the sector’s challenges. He said the government would consider their suggestions and work towards implementing proposals that serve the national interest.
He also announced a follow-up meeting with representatives within 15 days to one month to develop a detailed action plan based on the convention’s recommendations. The discussions would focus on both short-term and long-term measures for agricultural development.
During the programme, the minister released a special booklet documenting Agrivision’s 10-year journey. The convention brought together agricultural scientists, researchers and students from across the country to deliberate on the future of Indian agriculture, emerging technologies, education standards and opportunities to improve farmers’ livelihoods.
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