Amidst the ongoing war between Iran and America, the Indian government said that India has a lot of seed stock for the upcoming sowing season. Additional Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Maninder Kaur Dwivedi, said during the government's inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia that India has ample seed stocks for the coming sowing season. Apart from the private sector, there is a self-reliant seed system supported by ICAR and the public sector for the production and distribution of seeds in the country. There is also a strong pipeline with ample seed and breeding material at all stages (certified, foundation, hybrid seed) to meet any possible disruption. For Kharif season 2026, the government reported a comfortable seed availability position with a surplus of about 19.29 lakh quintals.
Dwivedi said that the country's agriculture sector India requires 166.46 lakh quintals, whereas 185.74 lakh quintals are available in the country. Apart from this, inputs of Rabi season seeds are also available.
Dwivedi said, "The price situation for wholesale prices of all agro commodities is also being monitored. Broadly, they are in the normal range, as they have been for the last few years. The prices of top crops, tomato, onion and potato are in the range and showing improvement with better trends at the wholesale level."
Amid the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran, the government has given priority to the allocation of LPG/PNG for drying maize seeds, and has also ensured uninterrupted fuel supply to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). The situation of fertilizer is stable.
The government said that the country has a lot of fertilizer as opening stock for the coming Kharif season. India's fertilizer requirement for Kharif 2026, in consultation with states, has been estimated at 390.54 LMT, of which 180 LMT (46%) is available as opening stock. The Center held a meeting of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Department of Fisheries and State Secretaries on March 30 to examine the correct use of fertilizers and ensure timely and accurate last mile delivery. To keep a close watch on the use of manure for non-agricultural use, hoarding etc., the Ministry in collaboration with the States has launched a nationwide crackdown.
Amidst the increasing conflict in the Middle East, the government is promoting the use of other fertilizers like nano fertilizers, bio fertilizers and bio-stimulants. Many states like Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Telangana have implemented models of linking fertilizer sales with farmer databases/land records.
19 states have started making farmer ID. Apart from fertilizers, pesticides and other agrochemicals required for the upcoming farming season are also present in large quantities in India.
The government official said that the Center is in constant dialogue with the states and UTs and is monitoring it every week. During April-February 2026, 2,61,099 MT of pesticide was produced in the country. The total estimated demand is 74,266 MT, out of which 42,000 MT is required in Kharif 2026.
In view of the rumors and malpractices, the Center has also initiated efforts to crack down on fake or adulterated pesticides in a multi-stakeholder coordination approach. It is also focusing on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in collaboration with the states.
The government is promoting biopesticides and sustainable practices, and trying to increase farmers' awareness and monitoring, pest surveillance, and providing accurate advice. Dwivedi said that the prices of agro commodities are largely stable and they are being closely monitored. He said that the prices of tomato, onion and potato crops are in a range and there is a slight improvement in the prices of all three.
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