Union Minister for Agriculture Shivraj Chouhan on Tuesday stated that 111 districts across 12 states are likely to experience adverse effects on Kharif crops due to a delayed monsoon and deficient rainfall caused by El Nino conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast weak rains until at least July 2.
Rainfall Deficit and Priority Districts
Chouhan reported that southwest monsoon is significantly delayed this year, with rainfall so far around 43 percent below normal. Special contingency plans have been designed for 315 districts, of which 111 are categorized as 'high priority' where irrigation coverage is below 25 percent. Among these, 22 districts are in Maharashtra. Another 76 districts fall under 'medium-priority' with irrigation coverage between 25 and 50 percent, while 128 districts are 'low priority' due to better irrigation facilities.
Vulnerable States and Monitoring Measures
The most vulnerable districts are located across Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Bihar, Jharkhand, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha. The Ministry of Agriculture has set up an 'El Niño Monitoring Cell' and a 'Crop Weather Watch Group' in Delhi to continuously analyze monsoon progress, crop sowing, conditions, input supplies, and market indicators. States have been instructed to establish control rooms and designate nodal officers for coordination with the Centre; most have already nominated their officers.
Water Conservation and Crop Strategy
Chouhan emphasized that water conservation is a top priority. Ponds, reservoirs, streams, farm ponds, check dams, stop dams, and temporary bunding structures must be repaired and strengthened immediately. "Every drop of water is precious and planning is being carried out with that objective. Sensitive districts have been advised to accord top priority to drinking water supply and, if necessary, arrange water transfer from surplus regions to deficit areas," the minister added. Water harvesting under MGNREGA and rural development programmes like VB-GRAM G are being promoted aggressively.
The minister also stressed changing crop strategy in rain-fed areas. States have been advised to promote short-duration crop varieties that deliver higher yields with lower water requirements. Farmers are encouraged to adopt crop diversification, intercropping, and mixed farming to reduce dependence on a single crop. Special emphasis is laid on pulses, Shri Anna, and oilseeds, which perform better under limited moisture.
Alternative Sowing and Fodder Plans
"States have also been advised to switch immediately to alternative crop options if there is a prolonged gap between the normal sowing period and the onset of rainfall. We will not allow fields to remain vacant. There will be sufficient rainfall for some crops to be cultivated, and our preparations are aligned accordingly," Chouhan said. Approximately one percent extra seed stock has been reserved for districts where resowing may become necessary. The ministry will strengthen information dissemination through Agro-Met advisories, SMS, WhatsApp, call centres, radio, TV, and social media to ensure timely guidance for farmers.
Chouhan noted that a severely weak monsoon could lead to fodder shortages for livestock. "To address this possibility, advance supply plans are being prepared to transport fodder from surplus regions to deficit areas," he said.
