During the Unnat Krishi Mahotsav in New Delhi, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that the Centre is developing state-wise agricultural roadmaps to address regional crop diversities and climatic challenges. The initiative aims to double farmers' income by focusing on six pillars: increasing production, reducing input costs, ensuring fair prices, crop diversification, post-harvest management, and natural farming. The government is also planning a digital "Krishi Adalat" system to resolve farmer grievances and land disputes efficiently.
At the Unnat Krishi Mahotsav, the Union Ministry of Agriculture unveiled a strategy to move away from a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Instead, the Centre will collaborate with states to create customized roadmaps based on local soil health, water availability, and traditional crops.
The event took place in New Delhi on April 17-18, 2026.
The state-wise roadmap follows a decentralized model:
Agriculture contributes ~18% to India's GDP but employs nearly 45% of the workforce. Custom roadmaps are essential to tackle the regional disparity between the Green Revolution states (Punjab/Haryana) and the rest of India. It aligns with the UPSC GS-III syllabus on "Major crops and cropping patterns."
India’s agriculture policy was historically driven by the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and the Green Revolution (1960s). The shift towards "State-wise roadmaps" marks a transition from a food-security focus to a farmer-income focus (Dalwai Committee recommendations).
The PM-KISAN scheme (2019) provided direct income support. In 2024-25, the government focused on the "Digital Agriculture Mission," which serves as the foundation for these new roadmaps.
The initiative aims to reduce India’s dependence on imported edible oils (Mission Palm Oil) and pulses. By 2028, the government expects Natural Farming to be the mainstream practice for at least 25% of small and marginal farmers.
Core Concept: Federalism in Indian Agriculture
Q1. Agriculture is listed under which list of the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution?
A) Union List
B) State List
C) Concurrent List
D) Residuary Powers
Answer: B
Explanation: Agriculture is Entry 14 of the State List, meaning states have primary legislative power.
Q2. What is the main objective of the proposed "Digital Krishi Adalat"?
A) To provide loans to farmers
B) To distribute high-yield seeds
C) To resolve farmer grievances and land disputes
D) To monitor weather patterns
Answer: C
Explanation: The Krishi Adalat is designed as a grievance redressal mechanism for farming-related issues.
Q3. How many agro-climatic zones has India been divided into by the NITI Aayog (formerly Planning Commission)?
A) 10
B) 15
C) 20
D) 25
Answer: B
Explanation: India is classified into 15 distinct agro-climatic zones based on soil, climate, and water.
Q4. The "Unnat Krishi Mahotsav" primarily focuses on:
A) Increasing agricultural exports to Europe
B) Promoting modern technology and natural farming
C) Privatizing the FCI (Food Corporation of India)
D) Reducing the number of people working in agriculture
Answer: B
Explanation: The Mahotsav highlights modern tools, digital missions, and sustainable farming practices.
Q5. The "Lakhpati Didi" scheme mentioned in agricultural roadmaps aims to empower:
A) Large-scale landholders
B) Rural women in Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
C) Agricultural scientists
D) Urban consumers
Answer: B
Explanation: The scheme aims to increase the annual income of rural women SHG members to at least ₹1 lakh.
Q6. Which organization provides the technical support for climate-resilient seeds in India?
A) NABARD
B) ICAR
C) NITI Aayog
D) FCI
Answer: B
Explanation: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is the premier body for agri-research and seed development.
PYQ 1:
Regarding the "Digital Agriculture Mission," consider the following statements:
1. It aims to create a 'Federated Farmers' Database' linked to land records.
2. It is funded entirely by the World Bank.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: 1 only. (Explanation: It is a central sector scheme, though international agencies may provide technical advice).
PYQ 2:
Assertion (A): The Centre is developing state-wise agricultural roadmaps.
Reason (R): Agriculture is a state subject, and a uniform national policy often fails to address regional climatic variations.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Question: "Evaluate the significance of decentralized state-wise roadmaps in achieving the goal of doubling farmers' income by 2030."
Answer Pointers:
For State PSC exams, pay close attention to your specific state's mention in these roadmaps. For UPSC, focus on the AgriStack and the shift towards Oilseeds/Pulses to reduce the Current Account Deficit (CAD).