Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday urged states to remain vigilant and prepare for potential low rainfall due to the developing El Nino conditions. Addressing a two-day National Agriculture Conference for the Kharif campaign 2026 in New Delhi, Chouhan emphasized the need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact on crops.
Monitoring El Nino Closely
The minister stated that the government is closely monitoring the El Nino phenomenon, which is known to cause below-normal monsoon rainfall in India. He assured that the agriculture ministry is fully prepared to deal with any eventuality arising from adverse weather conditions. Chouhan called upon state governments to take necessary precautions and ensure adequate availability of seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs for the upcoming Kharif season.
Preparedness Measures
Chouhan highlighted several steps taken by the central government to support farmers, including the distribution of drought-resistant seed varieties and the expansion of irrigation facilities. He also stressed the importance of real-time data sharing and early warning systems to help farmers make informed decisions.
The conference was attended by senior officials from the agriculture ministry, state agriculture departments, and agricultural research institutions. Discussions focused on contingency planning, crop diversification, and the use of technology to enhance resilience against climate variability.
Chouhan reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring food security and protecting farmers' interests, even in the face of challenging weather patterns. He urged states to collaborate closely with the center and implement contingency plans at the grassroots level.
