Farmer U. Venkateswarlu inspects his damaged maize crop at Kambampadu village in NTR district after unseasonal rains and strong gales lashed the Andhra Pradesh-Telangana border on March 19, 2026, causing widespread loss of standing crops. | Photo credit: RAO GN
A high-level meeting chaired by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan here on Friday (March 20, 2026) reviewed the overall condition of the agriculture sector following recent incidents of heavy rains, showers, hailstorms and other adverse weather conditions reported from various parts of the country. The meeting assessed the potential losses suffered by farmers.
A government statement issued after the meeting said the ministry discussed in detail the immediate needs of farmers, the claims process and the functioning of relief mechanisms. Speaking to reporters, Mr. Chouhan said the government’s focus is not limited to production alone but will scientifically assess crop damage, properly settle insurance claims and provide more timely assistance to farmers.
The meeting also discussed policy measures, assistance mechanisms and sought to ensure that the reach of various central government programs is effectively coordinated at all levels so that farmers receive timely and adequate support.
Mr. Chouhan directed the officials to establish communication and coordination with the state governments so that crop cutting experiments are conducted properly, losses are accurately assessed and insurance claims are prepared in a proper and scientific manner. “If farmers have suffered losses, their insurance claims should be properly and scientifically prepared so that we can support our farming brothers and sisters,” he said.
He said the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated the possibility of two more western disturbances in the coming days. Mr. Chouhan said the purchase of wheat and paddy is expected to begin in the coming days. Regarding pulses, he said the center would buy whatever quantity the farmers produced. “Procurement of pulses will be done not only by state governments but also through agencies like the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED) and the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation (NCCF), which will ensure that farmers are not forced to sell below the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and will be able to get fair remuneration for their produce,” he said, adding that the government is expecting a record wheat harvest.
Published – 20 March 2026 22:47 IST
