Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has asked states to plan the rabi season on the basis of water availability rather than habit, warning that climate change has made conventional crop planning obsolete. Addressing the two-day National Agriculture Conference on Rabi Campaign 2026 in New Delhi on Monday, Chouhan said erratic rainfall and shifting weather patterns demanded scientific assessment, timely preparation and stronger Centre-State coordination.

He asked every state and district to complete water budget assessments before finalising crop plans, with water-scarce areas prioritising less thirsty crops such as pulses and oilseeds. States have been directed to finalise their rabi plans by September 29, including the area to be brought under chana, masoor and mustard.

He stressed assured procurement, saying that if states could not procure on time, central agencies NAFED and NCCF would step in. Chouhan also flagged drought conditions in Maharashtra and Karnataka, announcing central teams for ground assessment, with Karnataka’s visit scheduled for October 3.