Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
With the southwest monsoon yet to gain momentum in several parts of the country and concerns growing over the impact of El Nino, the Centre has stepped up its preparedness for a potentially challenging kharif season. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday reviewed the situation and directed officials to closely monitor rainfall patterns and crop conditions in vulnerable regions.
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The agriculture ministry said a dedicated El Nino Monitoring Cell and the Crop Weather Watch Group will keep a close watch on developments, while Chouhan will conduct regular high-level reviews to assess the evolving situation.
111 DISTRICTS FACE HIGHEST RISK
According to the ministry’s assessment, around 315 districts across the country could receive below-normal rainfall this season. Of these, 111 districts have been classified as high-priority areas due to their heavy dependence on rain-fed agriculture and limited irrigation facilities.
The states expected to be most vulnerable to the impact of El Nino include Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh, along with seven other states. Chouhan said the country has so far recorded a rainfall deficit of around 43 per cent, raising concerns over kharif sowing and crop growth in several regions.
SPECIAL CONTINGENCY PLANS FOR VULNERABLE DISTRICTS
At the review meeting, the agriculture minister stressed that preparedness must move beyond planning and translate into timely action on the ground. He directed states to regularly review district-level preparedness and implement location-specific strategies based on local conditions.
The ministry said District Agriculture Contingency Plans (DACP) are being updated and will be implemented immediately in areas vulnerable to low rainfall. The objective is to minimise crop losses and ensure farmers have access to alternative strategies if monsoon conditions deteriorate.
FOCUS ON WATER CONSERVATION AND LOW-WATER CROPS
Water conservation emerged as a key focus area during the meeting. The Centre asked states to strengthen water-harvesting infrastructure such as ponds, check dams and farm ponds, while accelerating water conservation projects under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
Farmers are also being encouraged to adopt short-duration and low-water-consuming crops and increase crop diversification to reduce dependence on uncertain rainfall.
ADVANCE PLANNING FOR SEEDS, FERTILISERS AND MARKETS
The government said it is ensuring advance availability of seeds, fertilisers and other agricultural inputs to avoid shortages during the sowing season. States have also been directed to closely monitor mandi and retail prices and prevent hoarding or black marketing that could disrupt supplies.
Chouhan said farmers would receive timely advisories through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), agro-meteorological units and digital platforms. He urged cultivators not to rush into sowing operations until adequate rainfall has been received and sufficient soil moisture is available.
LIVESTOCK, CREDIT AND FOOD SECURITY UNDER WATCH
The review meeting also examined measures to safeguard farmers and livestock in the event of prolonged dry conditions. The Centre highlighted schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and PM-Kisan as key support mechanisms for farmers.
States have been asked to ensure timely delivery of credit, relief and assistance wherever required. They have also been advised to build fodder reserves and strengthen supply chains to tackle any potential fodder shortage.
The government expressed confidence that adequate foodgrain stocks and advance planning would help prevent any major impact on food security.
MADHYA PRADESH SOWING YET TO GATHER PACE
Officials noted that large-scale kharif sowing has not yet begun in Madhya Pradesh, making rainfall in the coming weeks crucial for farmers. The Centre said particular attention is being paid to districts with limited irrigation coverage and a high dependence on monsoon rains.
With El Nino conditions becoming more pronounced and rainfall remaining below normal in several regions, the government is preparing for multiple scenarios as it seeks to minimise the impact on agriculture and rural livelihoods.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
