The central government has issued an advisory to states, asking them to encourage farmers to shift to short-duration crops or less water-intensive crops such as pulses and millets. The move comes amid a rise in rice prices across the country.
According to the advisory, the shift is aimed at reducing dependence on water-intensive paddy cultivation, especially in rain-fed areas. The government said this could help improve crop planning and support more sustainable farming practices.
In June, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, “Changing crop strategy in rain-fed areas has become the need of the hour.” The advisory reflects the Centre’s push to diversify cropping patterns and address broader agricultural concerns.
