Centre Sanctions Over Rs 1,200 Crore to 10 States Under PM-RKVY

West Bengal received the largest allocation at Rs 290 crore, followed by Haryana with Rs 198 crore and Chhattisgarh with Rs 181 crore. Arunachal Pradesh was sanctioned Rs 154 crore, while Bihar received Rs 114 crore and Karnataka Rs 104 crore.

The remaining allocations included Rs 75 crore for Mizoram, Rs 64 crore for Himachal Pradesh, Rs 58 crore for Jharkhand and Rs 43 crore for Punjab.

Chairing a meeting with agriculture ministers and senior officials from the states, Chouhan said the Centre was focusing not only on framing agricultural policies but also on ensuring that states receive financial resources in time so that schemes can be implemented without unnecessary delays.

Highlighting the performance of the agriculture sector, Chouhan said the growth rate of agriculture had increased from 3 per cent in 2015 to 4.5 per cent. He also said the average annual increase in foodgrain production had more than doubled, from around 40 lakh tonnes earlier to 84 lakh tonnes.

According to the minister, rabi foodgrain production recorded a significant increase of 205 lakh tonnes between 2023-24 and 2025-26.

The Centre also announced a new mechanism for regular coordination with states. Chouhan said monthly virtual review meetings would be held with state governments, similar to the weekly reviews conducted at the Centre, to assess the implementation and progress of agricultural programmes.

At the state level, governments have been asked to establish State Agriculture Teams bringing together agriculture ministers and secretaries, state agricultural universities, ICAR institutions, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, ATMA and Farmer Producer Organisations. Monthly review meetings will also be held at the district level.

Chouhan also announced a nationwide “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” from October 22 to November 30, focusing on soil health and environmentally sustainable fertiliser use. Scientists and other stakeholders will participate in the campaign, which will use Soil Health Cards to encourage balanced fertiliser application and protect soil fertility.

The minister called for greater cultivation of pulses in rice fallow areas of eastern India, particularly in Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha and West Bengal, after the paddy harvest.

Ahead of the ongoing rabi season, Chouhan said crop selection and recommendations for improved seeds should take into account soil moisture levels and the availability of water in different regions.

He said the country had adequate stocks of seeds and fertilisers but directed state governments to take strict legal action against the sale of counterfeit fertilisers, spurious seeds and substandard pesticides.

The government is also working on measures aimed at improving returns for farmers, with Chouhan highlighting the importance of stronger post-harvest management, scientific warehousing and more efficient agricultural marketing systems.

He said the government would ensure 100 per cent procurement of tur, urad and masoor at the minimum support price, with arrangements aimed at ensuring that farmers receive payment within 48 hours.

Chouhan also highlighted opportunities created by international Free Trade Agreements, saying Indian agricultural products, fruits, vegetables and foodgrains could gain greater access to global markets. He said expanding exports could help farmers secure better returns while strengthening India’s position as a major food supplier to international markets.

The Centre's latest funding and review measures are aimed at improving coordination with states while accelerating implementation of agricultural schemes, strengthening farm infrastructure and addressing challenges related to soil health, crop production and market access.