New Delhi

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on Wednesday said that India’s agricultural sector is well-prepared for the upcoming Kharif season and is unlikely to face disruptions despite the ongoing tensions in West Asia.

Addressing a press briefing, Additional Secretary Maninder Kaur Dwivedi stated that the government has conducted a comprehensive review of essential agricultural inputs and found sufficient availability across key categories.

She noted that the country currently has a surplus of seeds for the Kharif season. Against an estimated requirement of 166.46 lakh quintals, the availability stands at 185.74 lakh quintals, ensuring a comfortable buffer. Major crops including paddy, soybean, groundnut, maize, and pulses are all reported to be in surplus supply.

Dwivedi also acknowledged a temporary challenge related to the availability of LPG required for drying hybrid maize seeds. However, she clarified that the issue has since been resolved through coordination with the Ministry of Petroleum, ensuring uninterrupted processing.

She further highlighted that preparations are not limited to Kharif crops, adding that seed availability for the Rabi season is also currently in a stable position.

On fertilisers, she said the total requirement for the Kharif season is estimated at 390.52 lakh metric tonnes (LMT), of which around 180 LMT is already available as opening stock—nearly 46 per cent of the requirement. She described this as a healthy level, noting that opening stocks typically account for about one-third of total demand.

In addition, the country has a strong reserve of agrochemicals, with over 2.5 lakh metric tonnes of pesticides available—well above the anticipated requirement. States have also been encouraged to promote bio-pesticides and sustainable agricultural practices alongside conventional inputs.

The ministry is also closely monitoring wholesale prices of key agricultural commodities. Dwivedi said that prices remain largely stable and within normal ranges observed in recent years. She added that staple vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, and potatoes are showing signs of improvement, with a positive trend in wholesale markets.

The review comes amid rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia involving countries such as the United States, Israel, and Iran, which have impacted global energy supply routes, including disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

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Despite these developments, the government has expressed confidence that India’s agricultural supply chain remains resilient and adequately equipped for the forthcoming sowing season.