The Government of India is set to launch a series of zonal agriculture conferences aimed at transforming the agricultural sector through policy alignment, innovation, and grassroots insights. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the initiative has been launched under the guidance of Narendra Modi to bring policy, science, and field-level experience onto a single platform.
Jaipur to Host First Conference on April 7
The conference series will begin on April 7, 2026, in Jaipur, covering the western zone. Representatives from:
- Rajasthan
- Madhya Pradesh
- Maharashtra
- Gujarat
- Goa
will participate. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and agriculture ministers from participating states are expected to attend.
Nationwide Rollout of Conferences
The zonal conferences will be held in phases across the country:
- April 17: Lucknow (North Zone)
- April 24: Bhubaneswar (East Zone)
- May: Hyderabad and Guwahati (subsequent zones)
Focus on Farmers’ Income and Technology
The primary objectives of these conferences include:
- Increasing farmers’ income
- Promoting technology adoption and innovation in agriculture
- Ensuring effective implementation of government schemes
Key schemes and themes to be discussed:
- Self-Reliant Pulses Mission
- National Edible Oil Mission
- Natural Farming Mission
- Digital Agriculture Mission
Participation from All Stakeholders
The conferences will bring together:
- Policymakers
- Agricultural scientists
- Progressive farmers
- Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
- Startups and private sector representatives
This inclusive approach aims to ensure that policy decisions reflect ground realities and market needs.
Sharing Best Practices Across States
Successful agricultural models from different states—such as:
- Irrigation systems
- Fertilizer distribution
- Agri-stack development
- Value chain management
will be showcased to encourage replication and faster agricultural growth nationwide.
Boost to Innovation and Investment
Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed confidence that the initiative will accelerate:
- Innovation in agriculture
- Investment in agri-tech
- Adoption of modern farming practices
Ultimately, the conferences are expected to enhance productivity, improve farmer incomes, and drive rural development across India.
