Indian agriculture will not be affected by Iran war: Govt
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on Wednesday assured that India’s agriculture sector remains well-prepared for the upcoming Kharif season, with sufficient availability of seeds, fertilisers and other key inputs, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
Addressing a press briefing, Additional Secretary in the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Maninder Kaur Dwivedi, said a comprehensive review has been undertaken to assess preparedness in light of the evolving international situation.
She stated that the availability of seeds for the Kharif season is in surplus. Against an estimated requirement of 166.46 lakh quintals, a total of 185.74 lakh quintals of seeds are available, resulting in a surplus of 19.29 lakh quintals.
Dwivedi noted that seeds for major crops such as paddy, soybean, groundnut, maize and pulses are all in adequate supply, based on assessments carried out in coordination with states.
Referring to a minor issue faced in recent weeks, she said there had been a temporary constraint in the availability of LPG required for drying hybrid maize seeds. However, the matter has since been resolved through coordination with the Ministry of Petroleum, ensuring uninterrupted preparation.
The government has also indicated that it is in a comfortable position regarding the availability of seeds for the upcoming Rabi season.
On fertilisers, Dwivedi said the total requirement for the Kharif season is estimated at 390.52 lakh metric tonnes (LMT), of which around 180 LMT—approximately 46 per cent—is already available as opening stock. She added that this level of availability is considered adequate, as opening stock typically accounts for about one-third of total seasonal demand.
With regard to agrochemicals, she said more than 2.5 lakh metric tonnes of pesticides are available, exceeding the requirement. States have also been advised to promote the use of bio-pesticides and sustainable agricultural practices.
The Ministry is also closely monitoring wholesale prices of key agricultural commodities. Dwivedi said prices remain within the normal range, in line with trends observed in recent years. She added that wholesale prices of essential vegetables such as tomato, onion and potato are stable and showing signs of improvement.
The assurance comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which have led to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global route for crude oil and energy supplies.
