Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed the Regional Agriculture Conference for Southern States in Hyderabad on September 18, 2026, focusing on region-specific agricultural challenges and opportunities. The conference discussed the impact of El Niño, crop diversification, and measures required for the upcoming Rabi season, with emphasis on tangible improvements in farmers' lives, strengthening India's food security, and expanding employment opportunities through agriculture.
Shri Chouhan outlined three key objectives for Indian agriculture: ensuring food security for India's population of over 140 crore, securing farmers' livelihoods and increasing their incomes, and achieving nutritional security through access to nutritious food. He highlighted the immense potential for horticulture in southern India, particularly in spices, coffee, cashew, cocoa, sandalwood and other crops, which play an important role in strengthening nutritional security.
The Minister reported significant growth in agricultural exports, with coconut exports increasing by 62% from ₹4,349 crore to ₹7,038 crore in one year. A new scheme for promotion of coconut has been announced in the Budget and is now set to become operational. Southern states were urged to prepare for promotion schemes for cashew and cocoa, and to develop strategies to rejuvenate old coconut plantations by gradually replacing 60-70 year old trees with new plantations.
Shri Chouhan emphasized that Free Trade Agreements facilitated under Prime Minister Modi's leadership have opened market access for Indian agricultural products including fruits, vegetables and grains. He called for detailed studies of these agreements to identify products in international demand and align domestic production accordingly, adopting international standards across the agricultural value chain.
Regarding housing, Telangana will receive 2 lakh houses under PMAY-G, with the first instalment already handed over to the state government. Beneficiaries with kutcha houses identified through survey will be covered in subsequent phases, with continued central support across sectors.
The conference format was expanded from one day to two days to allow each state greater opportunity to present concerns, challenges and suggestions, recognizing India's diverse agro-climatic zones, resources, water availability and soil conditions. The principle of 'Nation First' guided the discussions, with emphasis on Centre-State cooperation regardless of which political party governs each state.