States Urged to Prepare for Potential Drought Amidst Uncertain Rainfall Projections

India Prepares for Possible Low Rainfall Amid El Niño Threat

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has asked state governments to be prepared for the possibility of low rainfall or challenging weather conditions due to the threat of El Niño and the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) forecast of a below-normal monsoon this year.

The El Niño phenomenon, caused by the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean, typically leads to weaker monsoons and droughts in India. To deal with any eventuality, the Union agriculture ministry is chalking out contingency plans. The minister assured that there is adequate availability of seeds and fertilizers to meet demand during the upcoming Kharif season, which begins with the onset of the southwest monsoon in June.

The IMD has forecasted that the June-September southwest monsoon seasonal rainfall over India will be 90% of the long-period average with a model error of 4%. To address the potential shortages, the government has a stock of 192 lakh quintals of seeds, exceeding the total demand of 173 lakh quintals. The National Seed Corporation will maintain a buffer stock of 1.74 lakh quintals to deal with emergency situations.

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Fertilizer stock is also available in adequate quantities, with 200 lakh tonnes in storage against the total Kharif demand of 390 lakh tonnes. The Union minister has asked states to lift these seeds and provide them to farmers in a timely manner.

Chouhan also emphasized the need for states to remain prepared at the district level for low rainfall or other challenging conditions. He asked states to personally review the implementation of major agricultural campaigns, including the Pulses Mission, Oilseeds Mission, and Cotton Mission.

The minister also called upon scientists to undertake faster, practical, and demand-driven research aligned with farmers' needs. He stressed the importance of developing short-duration and more suitable crop varieties, particularly for tur, soybean, and oilseed crops.

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To address concerns about fake seeds, substandard pesticides, and defective agricultural inputs, the Union minister asked states to intensify inspections, increase sampling, establish accredited laboratories, and ensure strict action against offenders until final conviction.

He also emphasized the need for transparency in fertilizer distribution, prevention of black marketing, and ensuring proper supply to genuine farmers. The Union Minister asked every state to prepare its own agriculture roadmap based on agro-climatic conditions, available resources, and local potential.

On agricultural credit and Kisan Credit Cards, the Union Minister stated that timely access to capital is critical for profitable farming. He acknowledged that while some states have performed well in agricultural credit flow, many parts of eastern and northeastern India still lag behind. Discussions with banks will soon be held to expand access to agricultural credit in coordination with states.