The Finance Ministry of India issued a clarification regarding its advisory to state chief secretaries to promote pulses, oilseeds, and millets, stating it is not a directive but a suggestion to align agricultural policies with national priorities. This clarification follows criticism from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, who accused the Union government of undermining farmers by discouraging additional incentives for paddy cultivation. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman refuted Stalin's claims, asserting that the power to declare bonuses above the Minimum Support Price (MSP) remains with state governments. The ministry's letter, dated January 9, 2026, aims to encourage states to diversify crops, addressing issues of environmental stress and import dependence. Tamil Nadu currently provides additional incentives to approximately 3 million farmers for paddy, which could conflict with the advisory's objectives. The Finance Ministry highlighted the importance of self-reliance in key food crops and urged states to reconsider bonuses on water-intensive crops like wheat and paddy to promote sustainable agricultural practices.