Govt Confident of Achieving Record Rabi Output Despite Fertiliser Supply Delays

The government expressed confidence in achieving record foodgrain production for the 2024-25 rabi season, despite delays in fertiliser shipments. Favourable soil moisture and adequate reservoir water levels were cited as positive factors. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan assured that key fertilisers like urea and diammonium phosphate (DAP) are sufficiently available, despite shipment delays caused by geopolitical tensions.

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Fertiliser Supply and Shipment Routes

Chouhan stated that arrangements have been made to ensure enough fertiliser supply for the rabi season. Fertiliser Secretary Rajat Kumar Mishra explained that DAP shipments from Morocco are being rerouted via South Africa due to disruptions in Red Sea routes, adding 21 days to delivery times to western ports. India imports about 60% of its 5.5 million tonnes of DAP demand for the rabi season from countries like Russia, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and China.

The ministry has set a target of producing 164.55 lakh tonnes of foodgrain for the 2024-25 rabi season. This includes 115 lakh tonnes of wheat and 18.15 lakh tonnes of pulses. Sowing of winter crops has begun and is expected to accelerate after Diwali. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Director General Himanshu Pathak expressed optimism about achieving record production this season.

Climate-Resilient Seeds and Crop Cultivation

Pathak highlighted the importance of using climate-resilient and bio-fortified seeds, noting that about 70% of wheat cultivation last year used such varieties, contributing significantly to a bumper crop. Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi stressed increasing gram cultivation area due to lower production in the past two years, which led to imports.

Officials noted that the average area under rabi crops over the last five years was 668 lakh hectares, with wheat accounting for 312 lakh hectares. To encourage planting, the government announced higher minimum support prices for wheat and other winter-sown crops.

Digital Initiatives and Conference Participation

The conference also covered digital initiatives like farmer data registration, with crop surveys underway in two states set to expand nationwide next year. Six state agriculture ministers attended the conference alongside Union Ministers of State for Agriculture Ramnath Thakur and Bhagirath Choudhary.

Looking ahead, officials remain optimistic about achieving the set targets for foodgrain production in the upcoming rabi season. The adoption of advanced agricultural practices and favourable conditions are expected to play a crucial role in reaching these goals.