Record Rainfall Reserves to Serve as Buffer Against El Nino, Government Official Confirms

Government Prepares for Potential El Nino Impact with 43 Lakh Tonnes of Pulses in Buffer Stock

The Indian government has built a strategic cushion against potential supply disruptions or price fluctuations triggered by a likely El Nino weather phenomenon. A record buffer stock of 43 lakh tonnes of pulses will serve as a vital safeguard against any adverse effects on the country's food security.

This substantial buffer stock is a direct result of the Centre's assured procurement policy, which was introduced to encourage domestic production, reduce import dependence, and shield consumers from price volatility. The policy has led to a sharp build-up in the buffer stock, with current levels more than double the 18 lakh tonnes held in May 2025. This is significantly higher than the 21 lakh tonnes recorded in May 2024, according to government data.

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The government's official, Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare, has allayed concerns over storage and disposal of the pulses. Khare noted that pulses are non-perishable and can be safely stored for two to three years.

The India Meteorological Department has forecast a below-normal southwest monsoon (June–September) and has flagged the likelihood of El Nino developing in the coming months. In response, the agriculture ministry has begun drawing up contingency plans to mitigate the phenomenon's impact on kharif (summer) crops.