Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that the proposed Seed Act and Pesticide Act are nearly ready and will likely be tabled in the next session of Parliament. These laws aim to combat the sale of spurious and substandard agricultural inputs, with stricter penalties for violations. At a regional agriculture conference attended by various state representatives, Chouhan emphasized the need for region-specific consultations to address India's diverse agro-climatic conditions. He highlighted India's achievements in agriculture, noting that the country is now the world's largest rice producer and a significant wheat exporter. Chouhan outlined a six-point strategy focusing on food security, increasing farmers' income, and promoting nutritious food. He also raised concerns about the rising consumption of fertilizers, advocating for natural farming practices and better seed quality. With forecasts of below-normal rainfall due to El Niño, he urged states to develop comprehensive agricultural roadmaps.