Rabi Compaign

Speech of MoS (A) for Rabi Campaign – 17th September, 2010


Agriculture Minister, Shri Sharad Pawar, Secretary (Agriculture), Secretary (Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries), Secretary (DARE), Principal Advisor, Vice Chancellors of State Agricultural Universities, Agriculture Production Commissioners, Principal Secretaries and other officials from Ministries and Departments of Central and State Governments, ladies and gentlemen.

The main objective of this Conference is to review the progress of Kharif and take stock of the preparations for Rabi Campaign. We have been lucky this year to have a good monsoon. This will not only ensure a good Kharif crop but will also prove to be very conducive for the Rabi campaign. Kharif production should be reasonable if not very good. However, deficient rains in major rice producing states such as West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand have dampened the prospects in paddy.

The slow growth of productivity in rice is a cause of concern. The department has taken action to identify high yielding hybrids and varieties for increasing productivity of rice. One of the booklets just released here contains valuable information for increasing production of hybrid rice seeds during Rabi this year which should be available for marketing in Kharif 2011.

I also compliment our research institutes and agricultural universities for coming up with some very promising hybrids and varieties of rice which have the potential to significantly improve rice productivity. I am happy to note that this is being given due importance by the Department in its schemes on the National Food Security Mission and the Seed Production Programme of Ministry with the collaboration of State Governments.

Increasing productivity of wheat is another major challenge being addressed under National Food Security Mission. I appreciate the efforts made by DAC and ICAR towards this, particularly the consultations held recently in the Directorate of Wheat Research, Karnal. These advisory inputs should indeed contribute towards higher productivity of wheat this year.

We have enhanced budgetary provisions for major flagship schemes such as Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, National Food Security Mission, National Horticulture Mission, Micro irrigation, etc. Significant provisions have also been made in the budget to take green revolution to eastern India, enhancing productivity of dry land farming areas through integrated intervention for water harvesting, watershed management and soil health and conservation agriculture to sustain the gains already made by green revolution. I would urge all the states to make full use of the facilities under these schemes. States which are ineligible for funding for any flagship programme must take special steps to re-qualify immediately.


The programme for extending green revolution to Eastern India puts a great responsibility on the states in the region. Given the availability of natural resources in the eastern region, I am confident that the region will emerge as the bread basket for the country. Development of agriculture in the region will also usher in inclusive economic growth. I urge all states in the region to take full advantage of the scheme and make it a success. The states will have to steer clear off distractions and focus on productivity for many years ahead.

Programmes have never been in short supply in the last two plan periods to enhance agricultural productivity. What we lack is single minded focus in implementing and concurrent monitoring. A sense of urgency is required in all leaders handling various segments of the national programme in Agriculture. As the Hon. Prime Minister observed earlier this year, the best officers of the states have to handle Agriculture. I am sure you recognise the onerous responsibility placed on your shoulders now. Together we have to prove that we lived up to the expectation. I am happy to see the Union Agriculture Secretary and his team put in well coordinated efforts. I hope the states will take the task forward in the same footing.

I am confident that the deliberations during the conference will be very useful and help firm up an effective Rabi campaign. I am confident that it will be a grand success and result in record Rabi production.
Thank you.
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