Centre reviews El Niño threat, assures full support to protect farmers during kharif season

New Delhi: With forecasts indicating a possible El Niño event and below-normal monsoon rainfall this year, the Centre has stepped up preparations to safeguard agricultural production and farmer livelihoods during the upcoming Kharif season.

Chairing a high-level review meeting in New Delhi on 2 June 2026, Monday, Union Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan directed all concerned ministries and state governments to intensify preparedness measures, particularly in regions likely to face rainfall deficits or prolonged dry spells.

"There is no need to panic. Timely preparation is the need of the hour," Chouhan said, stressing that farmers' interests would be protected under all circumstances.

The meeting reviewed monsoon forecasts, water availability, seed stocks, crop planning strategies, irrigation preparedness and contingency measures in view of the possible impact of El Niño conditions during the Southwest Monsoon season.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), seasonal rainfall during the 2026 monsoon is likely to be around 90 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA), raising concerns over moisture stress in some agricultural regions. El Niño conditions are also expected to develop during the monsoon months, potentially affecting rainfall distribution.

Despite the forecast, officials highlighted a positive development: reservoir storage across the country currently stands at 127.01 per cent of the normal level for this period. The higher water availability is expected to support irrigation requirements and provide a buffer against rainfall shortfalls during the Kharif season.

Chouhan instructed states and districts vulnerable to low rainfall to strengthen monitoring systems and ensure that contingency plans are implemented effectively on the ground.

"Contingency plans should not remain only on paper but should be clearly visible on the ground," he said.

The government is focusing on ensuring adequate availability of quality seeds, promoting moisture conservation measures, improving water management and encouraging alternative crop planning wherever required. States have also been asked to keep drought-tolerant and short-duration crop varieties ready to support farmers in case of delayed sowing or resowing needs.

Officials informed the meeting that seed availability for both Kharif and Rabi seasons remains sufficient, while a National Seed Reserve has been established to address emergency requirements arising from adverse weather conditions.

The Agriculture Minister also emphasized the need to expand water conservation efforts through farm ponds, rainwater harvesting structures and other local interventions. He directed officials to ensure efficient use of available reservoir water and monitor water distribution across canal command areas, particularly to farmers located at the tail ends of irrigation systems.

Special attention was also given to pest and disease management. The Centre has asked agencies to identify potential outbreaks linked to changing weather conditions and develop advance advisories for states and farmers.

To improve last-mile communication, Chouhan called for strengthening digital advisory systems, including mobile-based alerts, crop advisories, weather warnings and pest management information. He said timely dissemination of accurate information would be crucial in helping farmers make informed decisions during the season.

The Centre will continue to review state-level preparedness and provide additional support wherever required, officials said. Chouhan also stressed the importance of coordination among departments dealing with agriculture, irrigation, weather forecasting, rural development and water resources to ensure a unified response to emerging challenges.

The government remains confident that with adequate planning, improved irrigation support, climate-resilient farming practices and timely interventions, the impact of any weather-related disruptions can be minimized and agricultural activities can continue smoothly during the Kharif season.