What happened
At the Rabi preparedness briefing on 29 September 2026, Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the Rabi foodgrain production target for 2026-27 is 177.72 million tonnes, above last year’s actual 174.51 million tonnes (wheat is the main Rabi crop). On fertilisers, he said there is no shortage: total requirement estimated at 380 lakh tonnes, with opening stock above 163 lakh tonnes versus 122 lakh tonnes at the start of last Rabi.
He added that farmers should not be held solely responsible for air pollution through stubble burning and that the issue must be seen with other pollution sources.
Background
India’s fertiliser policy and buffer stocks are critical ahead of Rabi sowing of wheat, mustard, gram and other crops. Adequate DAP, urea and NPK availability supports timely sowing after the Kharif harvest. The production target signals the Centre’s confidence despite monsoon unevenness discussed in the same briefing.
Why it matters for exams
- Production targets and fertiliser numbers are high-frequency banking/SSC facts
- Rabi vs Kharif crop lists are static agriculture GK
- Stubble burning vs air pollution is a GS-III environment angle
Key facts for exams
- Rabi foodgrain target 2026-27: 177.72 million tonnes
- Previous actual: 174.51 million tonnes
- Fertiliser requirement: 380 lakh tonnes (state-reported)
- Opening stock: >163 lakh tonnes (vs 122 LT last year)
- Main Rabi cereal: Wheat
Practice MCQs
Q1. Rabi foodgrain production target for 2026-27 is:
- 174.51 MT
- 177.72 MT
- 380 MT
- 163 MT
Answer: B. 177.72 million tonnes.
Q2. Fertiliser opening stock cited before Rabi 2026-27 was above:
- 122 lakh tonnes
- 163 lakh tonnes
- 380 lakh tonnes
- 84 lakh tonnes
Answer: B. More than 163 lakh tonnes.
Q3. Which is the principal Rabi cereal crop in India?
- Paddy
- Maize
- Wheat
- Bajra
Answer: C. Wheat is the main Rabi foodgrain crop.
Source: Outlook India / PTI (29 Sep 2026).