The letter advised states to tweak their bonus schemes to prioritize pulses, oilseeds, and coarse grains, aligning with broader national objectives like nutrition security, atmanirbhar Bharat, and cutting down import needs. Stalin had cited it during a speech, accusing the centre of interference.

Officials explained that excessive bonuses on wheat and paddy in several states, particularly in the north, distort crop patterns. This overemphasis reduces cultivation of vital pulses and oilseeds, ramps up water and fertilizer use, and burdens the economy with imports.

The centre’s strategy is proactive: repeated MSP hikes for diversified crops, coupled with campaigns against monoculture farming. Economic data underscores success—edible oil imports fell significantly, while oilseed farming expanded impressively over the past decade.

This isn’t about imposing burdens but fostering collaboration. States are encouraged to adopt sustainable practices that boost farmer incomes and ensure national food resilience. The advisory reflects a visionary approach to balanced agriculture, urging a shift from rice-wheat cycles towards diverse, eco-friendly cropping.