Shivraj Singh Chouhan,Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, directed that in those states and districts where the possibility of low rainfall, long dry spells or relatively higher impact of El Niño exists, special monitoring, continuous review and swift action must be ensured without any delay.He strongly emphasised that contingency plans should be activated right up to the district level and these plans should not be treated merely as paperwork exercises.
New Delhi:Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, i Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday conducted a detailed and comprehensive review in Delhi regarding the Southwest Monsoon, the possible impact of El Niño, water availability, seed arrangements, crop strategy and the level of preparedness of various states.
He clearly stated that farmers do not need to panic at all because the government is making full preparations with complete alertness. The first target is to ensure that the effect of any weather-related challenges on the fields and on the farmers should remain as minimal as possible.
In this important high-level meeting, Chouhan gave clear directions that all concerned central departments and state governments must work with complete seriousness, better coordination and proper advance planning.
All necessary preparations must be completed well in time keeping in view the possible effects of El Niño. During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on weather forecasts, water availability, present condition of crops, arrangements for seeds and other agricultural inputs, the preparedness of states and the action plans to deal with any possible adverse situations.
It was informed in the meeting that the India Meteorological Department has indicated the possibility that the Southwest Monsoon in 2026 may be below normal. It has been estimated that the seasonal rainfall across the country will be around 90 per cent of the Long Period Average. It was also indicated that El Niño conditions may develop during the monsoon season. Therefore, the Central Government has already intensified its preparations and has asked all states to stay in alert mode.
Chouhan made it clear that weather forecasts are being taken with full seriousness, but there is no need for farmers to feel worried. He said that with the coordinated efforts of the Central and state governments, better water management practices, use of advanced technology, expansion of irrigation facilities and adoption of climate-resilient agricultural methods, the impact of possible challenges can be controlled to a very large extent.
An important and positive fact that was presented in the meeting was that at the current time the water levels in the country’s reservoirs are quite satisfactory and the overall storage position is better than normal levels.
According to the latest available assessment, the reservoir storage is at 127.01 per cent of the normal level for this period. This situation will provide significant and important assistance in meeting the irrigation requirements during the Kharif season and will substantially reduce the risk of moisture deficiency in the fields.
Chouhan said that the challenge before us now is not only related to the rainfall forecast, but also to the ground-level preparation connected with it.
He directed that in those states and districts where the possibility of low rainfall, long dry spells or relatively higher impact of El Niño exists, special monitoring, continuous review and swift action must be ensured without any delay.
He strongly emphasised that contingency plans should be activated right up to the district level and these plans should not be treated merely as paperwork exercises. Such plans should be prepared and implemented after carefully considering local conditions, available water resources, existing crop patterns, seed availability status, progress of sowing, rainfall intervals and all district-specific risks. This will help in providing practical and timely solutions to the farmers.