22 State Agriculture Ministers Unite at Historic Kharif Conference, Launch National 'Save Farmland' Mission
New Delhi, May 30, 2026: In a first-of-its-kind initiative in India's agricultural history, agriculture ministers from 22 states came together on a single platform during the two-day National Kharif Conference held at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Pusa, to formulate a collective strategy for improving agriculture and farmers' livelihoods.
Chaired by Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the conference evolved beyond a routine review meeting into a national forum focused on agricultural reforms, policy coordination, and grassroots implementation.
Natural Farming Takes Centre Stage
One of the most significant outcomes of the conference was the commitment by state agriculture ministers to adopt natural farming practices on their own farms. Responding to the Union Minister's appeal, ministers pledged not only to support natural farming policies but also to demonstrate their effectiveness through personal adoption.
The move is expected to strengthen farmer confidence and accelerate the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices across states.
'Save Farmland Campaign' Launched to Protect Soil and Future Generations
Addressing the gathering, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized that protecting farmland is essential for safeguarding the environment, food security, and future generations.
The conference formally launched a national 'Save Farmland Campaign' (Khet Bachao Abhiyan) aimed at promoting balanced fertilizer usage, improving soil health, and encouraging sustainable farming practices.
The minister stressed that the objective is not to eliminate chemical fertilizers entirely but to promote their scientific and balanced use. He proposed a coordinated national effort involving state governments, agricultural universities, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and the scientific community.
Roadmap for Pulses and Oilseed Self-Reliance
Discussions during the conference also focused on reducing India's dependence on imports by strengthening domestic production of pulses and oilseeds. Participants reviewed Kharif season preparedness, seed availability, fertilizer management, crop planning, and water resource utilization.
Officials and ministers agreed that future agricultural strategies must integrate productivity growth with soil conservation, cost-effective input management, and environmental sustainability.
Two Days of Intensive Deliberations at Pusa
The first day of the conference saw senior agriculture and horticulture officials from across the country discussing state-specific challenges and Kharif preparations. On the second day, state agriculture ministers joined the deliberations, extending discussions late into the evening in an unprecedented display of policy engagement.
Shri Chouhan praised the active participation of both officials and ministers, noting that such dedication and seriousness are rarely witnessed in government conferences.
'Big Goals Need Big Commitment, Not Big Positions'
Summarizing the spirit of the conference, the Union Agriculture Minister stated that achieving transformative agricultural goals requires commitment rather than authority.
"Big goals do not require big positions; they require big commitment," he said, urging all stakeholders to convert policy decisions into measurable outcomes on the ground.
Agriculture Viewed as a National Mission
The conference underscored the government's vision of treating agriculture not merely as a production issue but as a broader national responsibility linked to environmental protection, nutrition, farmer incomes, and long-term sustainability.
With commitments on natural farming, balanced fertilizer use, pulses and oilseed self-sufficiency, and the nationwide rollout of the 'Save Farmland Campaign,' the conference concluded with a collective pledge to translate ideas into action before the upcoming Kharif season.