The Ministry of Agriculture has set an ambitious target of 341.55 million tonnes (MT) of foodgrain production for the year 2024-25. This target is broken down into Kharif, Rabi, and Summer crops, contributing 161.37 MT, 164.55 MT, and 15.63 MT respectively. These targets, unveiled at the recently held Rabi Conference 2024 in New Delhi, are part of the government’s strategic efforts to ensure food security, increase agricultural productivity, and promote sustainable farming practices in India. 

Foodgrain Target 2024-25 

At the Rabi Conference, Union Minister of Agriculture, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, addressed key stakeholders, including state agriculture ministers and experts, outlining the need to shift towards organic and natural farming. He emphasized that increasing per-hectare yields while reducing costs will be essential to achieving the government’s ambitious targets. Chouhan pointed out that reducing dependency on chemical inputs is crucial for boosting crop productivity in a cost-effective and sustainable manner. 

Key Rabi Crop Targets for 2024-25 

The conference aimed at setting specific production targets for key Rabi crops, and discussions were held around crop performance, availability of inputs, and adoption of technology. For Rabi season 2024-25, wheat, one of the major staple crops of India, has a production target of 115 million tonnes (MT). The second most important Rabi crop, gram (chana), has a target of 13.65 MT, while Rapeseed & Mustard production is set at 13.8 MT. Other crop targets include 1.65 MT for lentil, 12 MT for maize, and smaller targets for Jowar (2.6 MT) and pulses like urad (0.6 MT)and moong (0.3 MT).  

Focus on Oilseed Production and Self-Reliance 

Apart from foodgrains, the Rabi conference also highlighted the government’s vision for increasing oilseed production. The goal is to ramp up oilseed production from 39.2 million metric tonnes (MMT) in 2022-23 to 69.7 MMT by 2030-31. This would involve expanding the cultivation area from the current 29 million hectares (mha) to 33 mha and improving average yield from 1353 kg/ha to 2112 kg/ha by 2030-31. 

This shift is aimed at reducing India’s dependence on edible oil imports, a long-standing challenge for the country. Panellists emphasized the need for research on short-duration, high-yielding varieties of oilseeds and pulses, combined with greater mechanization for efficient harvesting and cultivation. 

Moving Towards Natural and Organic Farming 

In his address, Union Minister Chouhan reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting organic and natural farming methods. This strategy aligns with the goal of improving productivity while reducing chemical inputs. The discussions during the conference also stressed the importance of aligning agricultural practices with agro-climatic conditions. This approach will not only boost overall production but also enhance sustainability by reducing the environmental impact of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. 

Collaborative Approach for Achieving Foodgrain Targets 

The conference witnessed the participation of state representatives, who were urged to collaborate with the central government in achieving these targets. Chouhan emphasized the importance of increasing production based on the specific agro-climatic conditions of each state. The government also encouraged the states to work towards achieving the set foodgrain targets while contributing to India’s broader goal of becoming a global foodgrain and oilseed production hub. 

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