Jaipur: Signalling a shift towards decentralised farm policymaking, Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Tuesday said the Centre will allow states to tailor agricultural strategies based on their own agro-climatic realities, instead of following a one-size-fits-all model.Speaking at the western regional agriculture conference in Jaipur, Chouhan said, “Every state has its own geographical and agricultural conditions. We do not want to impose schemes; states will have the flexibility to choose what works best for them.”He added that India will be divided into agro-climatic zones, with state-specific road maps guiding crop planning, productivity and resource use. A major reform highlighted at the meet was the rollout of a nationwide Farmer ID system, which the minister described as the backbone of future agricultural delivery. “All benefits — from fertilisers and seeds to insurance and compensation — will be linked to Farmer ID to ensure transparency and accuracy,” he said, noting that the system would also help curb leakages and black marketing.Chouhan said the govt is aiming to complete farmer enrolment within months and replicate successful state-level models across the country. On production, the minister underlined progress in oilseeds, saying output has reached record levels, while productivity has improved significantly. He said a dedicated outlay of over Rs 10,000 crore has been made to expand cultivation area, improve yields and strengthen the value chain. “With the right policy support and technology, we are moving steadily towards self-reliance in edible oils,” he said.Outlining plans for pulses, he said the focus would be on boosting seed production, introducing improved varieties and ensuring assured procurement. “Farmers must get both quality inputs and guaranteed markets,” he added.Chouhan also emphasised the role of science and technology, announcing that thousands of agricultural scientists will be connected directly with farmers under a “lab-to-land” approach. At the same time, he called for a shift towards natural and sustainable farming practices, warning that excessive fertiliser use is affecting soil health. On market distress, he said the Centre is working to prevent price crashes and improve returns through better logistics and value addition. “Our priority is to ensure farmers are not forced into distress sales,” he said.The conference brought together policymakers, scientists and stakeholders from multiple states, marking a move towards data-driven and region-specific agricultural planning.
