India Poised to Become Global Food Basket, Says Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan outlines a roadmap to turn India into a global food basket while boosting farmer livelihoods and education.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has declared that India is on a definitive path to transforming into the "food basket" of the world. While pursuing this massive global ambition, the Minister emphasized that the nation remains equally committed to uplifting and enhancing the livelihoods of its hardworking farmers.
Speaking at the 10th national convention of Agrivision held at the ICAR–NASC Complex in Pusa, New Delhi, Chouhan painted a picture of a nation that has undergone a massive agricultural metamorphosis. He noted that India has successfully transitioned from being a foodgrain importer to a self-reliant powerhouse.
A Decade of Massive Growth
Highlighting the scale of this transformation, the Minister pointed to staggering statistics from the last decade. Between 2014 and 2024, India witnessed a 49 percent increase in agricultural production. This surge has solidified India's standing on the international stage.
Current global rankings underscore this progress:
- Rice: India holds the top global position in both production and exports.
- Wheat: India currently ranks second in global wheat production.
Fixing the Agricultural Education Gap
The two-day convention, which concluded on October 14, 2026, was not just about production numbers; it was a gathering of minds. The event brought together approximately 450 agricultural students from 25 different states, alongside a diverse group of scientists, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and farmers.
Addressing the students directly, Chouhan acknowledged the existing cracks in the academic landscape. He pledged that the government would take decisive action to ensure that students pursuing degrees in agriculture are not left behind or disadvantaged by systemic deficiencies in the current educational framework.
To resolve these issues, the Minister announced the formulation of a comprehensive roadmap. This plan will integrate both short-term fixes and long-term structural measures to reform agricultural education and bolster farmer welfare.
A Call for Practical Innovation
Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education and Director General of ICAR, who inaugurated the event, called for a strategic evolution. He advocated for a shift toward market-oriented agri-food systems, stressing the need for:
- Enhanced market intelligence.
- Increased value addition to crops.
- Greater profitability for the individual farmer.
In a move to ensure that ideas do not remain mere talk, Chouhan issued a direct challenge to researchers and students. He urged them to submit practical, actionable solutions to the government. To maintain momentum, the Minister committed to meeting with stakeholders within 15 to 30 days to review these recommendations and finalize a detailed, high-impact action plan.