National conference on improving rabi output begins next week

A two-day national conference on ways to increase foodgrain output in rabi season will begin here from September 22 against the backdrop of rainfall deficit in some parts of the country.
About 51 per cent of the country's foodgrain output comes from crops grown in the rabi season, beginning next month. The normal area that is cultivated in the season is 61.43 million hectare.
Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh will inaugurate the conference at the National Agriculture Science Centre (NASC) in the national capital, an official statement said.
There will be broad-based discussions with state agriculture officers on preparedness for the rabi season.

There will be a detailed deliberation on six emerging topics, including agrarian crisis, ways to promote pulses and oilseeds in rice fallows, promotion of horticulture and organic farming.
Besides, the conference will discuss ways to enhance area under irrigation through Pardhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana (PMKSY) and creation of National Agricultural Market.

Progress in sowing of crops during the kharif season, which ends this month, will also be taken into account, the statement said.
The main rabi crops are wheat, barley, gram, pulses, linseed and mustard.
The conference would discuss timely supply of farm inputs such as seeds, fertiliser, credit and insurance to farmers during the season.