The Indian government is intensifying its preparations for the kharif season as the southwest monsoon has yet to gain full strength in multiple regions. Concerns have escalated regarding the potential implications of El Nino, prompting a review by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. During a meeting on Tuesday, Chouhan instructed officials to monitor rainfall patterns and crop conditions closely in areas identified as vulnerable.

The Ministry of Agriculture has announced the establishment of a dedicated El Nino Monitoring Cell along with the Crop Weather Watch Group. These bodies will oversee developments in agricultural conditions, while Chouhan will conduct regular high-level assessments to stay updated on the changing situation.

The ministry’s investigations indicate that approximately 315 districts across India may experience below-normal rainfall this season, with 111 districts marked as high-priority due to their reliance on rain-fed agriculture and scarce irrigation facilities.

Targeted Support for High-Risk Districts

The states most likely to be impacted by El Nino include Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh, among others. Chouhan has noted that the nation has recorded a rainfall deficit of around 43 per cent to date, raising alarms regarding the kharif sowing and crop health in several regions.

During the review meeting, the agriculture minister underscored the importance of moving from planning to timely action on the ground. He urged states to conduct regular checks on district-level preparedness and to formulate location-specific strategies that take local conditions into account.

To minimise crop losses, the ministry stated that District Agriculture Contingency Plans (DACP) are being revised and will be quickly implemented in areas at risk of low rainfall. This measure aims to ensure that farmers have access to alternative strategies should the monsoon situation worsen.

Emphasis on Water Conservation and Crop Diversification

Water conservation has been highlighted as a crucial focus during the recent meeting. The government has called for states to enhance water-harvesting infrastructure, such as ponds and check dams. Additionally, there is an effort to accelerate water conservation initiatives under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).

In an effort to adapt to the anticipated conditions, farmers are being encouraged to plant short-duration, low-water crops and increase crop diversification to reduce reliance on variable rainfall. This shift aims to foster greater resilience within agricultural practices.

The government is also ensuring the early availability of seeds, fertilisers, and other agricultural inputs to avoid shortages as the sowing season approaches. States have been instructed to monitor local mandi and retail prices closely to prevent hoarding or black marketing that may disrupt supply chains.

Preparation for Food Security and Livestock Welfare

The recent review also included strategies for protecting farmers and livestock against prolonged dry spells. The Centre has noted key support systems, such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), Kisan Credit Card (KCC), and PM-Kisan, to assist farmers as needed.

States have been advised to ensure timely delivery of credit and relief measures when necessary, as well as to establish fodder reserves and strengthen supply chains to alleviate potential shortages. The government expresses confidence that sufficient foodgrain stocks and proactive measures will mitigate impacts on food security.

As of now, kharif sowing in Madhya Pradesh has not gained significant momentum, and officials emphasise that forthcoming rainfall will be critical for farmers. Attention is being concentrated on districts that lack adequate irrigation and depend heavily on monsoon rains.

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