Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has assured farmers that there is no need to panic over the possibility of El Niño affecting the 2026 Southwest Monsoon, emphasizing that the government is fully prepared to safeguard farmers’ interests through timely planning and coordinated action.
During a high-level review meeting at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi, Shri Chouhan assessed monsoon forecasts, water availability, seed preparedness, crop strategies, and the readiness of states to tackle potential weather-related challenges. He directed central ministries and state governments to intensify monitoring and ensure swift action in districts likely to experience low rainfall or prolonged dry spells.
The Minister highlighted that while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has projected below-normal monsoon rainfall at around 90 percent of the Long Period Average, current reservoir storage levels remain encouraging. Reservoirs are holding 127.01 percent of the normal water levels for this period, providing a strong foundation for Kharif crop cultivation and irrigation requirements.
Shri Chouhan stressed the importance of contingency planning at the district level, ensuring that plans are implemented on the ground rather than remaining as administrative exercises. He called for area-specific and crop-specific strategies, including the promotion of drought-resistant crops, short-duration varieties, delayed sowing options, and alternative cropping systems wherever required.
The Minister also emphasized adequate availability and quality of seeds for both Kharif and Rabi seasons, supported by a National Seed Reserve for emergency situations. He directed states to ensure only certified and suitable seeds reach farmers.
Special attention was given to moisture conservation, water harvesting, farm ponds, irrigation management, pest control, and disease surveillance. Shri Chouhan further instructed officials to strengthen digital communication systems, enabling timely mobile advisories, weather alerts, and crop-related guidance to farmers.
He expressed confidence that with scientific water management, technology-driven agriculture, quality inputs, and strong Centre-state coordination, the impact of any weather-related challenges can be minimized while ensuring a successful Kharif season.
