The central government has ramped up contingency measures for the upcoming monsoon season following the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) forecast of below-normal rainfall across the country. In a directive issued to all states, authorities have been advised to maintain a seed reserve of at least 1 per cent, with special emphasis on short and medium duration varieties to mitigate potential agricultural impacts.
Government Advisory on Seed Reserves
States have been instructed to ensure adequate availability of seeds, particularly those that can mature quickly in case of a delayed or deficient monsoon. The advisory highlights the importance of short and medium duration crop varieties, which are better suited to withstand erratic rainfall patterns. This proactive step aims to safeguard the kharif crop, which is heavily dependent on monsoon rains.
IMD Forecast and Its Implications
The IMD has predicted below-normal rainfall for the 2026 monsoon season, raising concerns among farmers and policymakers. The forecast indicates that rainfall is likely to be 94-96 per cent of the long-period average, which could affect sowing and yield of key kharif crops such as paddy, pulses, and oilseeds. In response, the government is working closely with state agricultural departments to implement contingency plans.
Additional Measures Being Taken
Besides seed reserves, the government is also focusing on water management and efficient use of irrigation facilities. Farmers are being encouraged to adopt micro-irrigation techniques and drought-resistant crop varieties. The National Agriculture Contingency Plan is being updated to provide region-specific guidance. States have been asked to conduct regular reviews of the situation and submit reports to the central government.
The Centre has also assured states of adequate financial support under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) if needed. The Ministry of Agriculture is coordinating with the IMD to provide timely weather updates to farmers through mobile alerts and community radio.
With the monsoon season approaching, these measures are intended to minimize the adverse effects of below-normal rainfall on the agricultural sector, which employs a significant portion of India's population and contributes substantially to the economy.
