New Delhi | June 16 | SKY LINK TIMES
El Nino Alert:
With concerns mounting over the possible impact of the El Nino weather phenomenon on India’s monsoon season, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has directed officials to undertake advance contingency planning in districts that may experience low or uneven rainfall. The minister also emphasized the need to increase the cultivation of cotton and pulses during the upcoming Kharif 2026 season.
The directions were issued during a high-level weekly agriculture review meeting held at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi, where senior officials reviewed nationwide preparedness for the Kharif cropping season.
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Government Focuses on Rain-Deficient Districts
During the meeting, officials discussed the potential challenges posed by El Nino, which is often associated with below-normal rainfall in several parts of India. Chouhan instructed authorities to identify vulnerable districts and formulate crop-specific contingency plans in coordination with state governments.
He stressed that advance planning would enable farmers to receive timely alternatives, expert guidance and necessary assistance in the event of weather-related disruptions.
“Such districts should be identified, and crop-wise contingency plans should be prepared in collaboration with state governments, so that in the event of any weather-related challenge, farmers can be immediately provided with alternatives, advice and assistance,” the minister said.
Push for Higher Cotton Production
The review meeting also focused on strategies to boost cotton production across the country. Chouhan highlighted the importance of adopting scientific farming practices to improve productivity and enhance farmers’ incomes.
Key measures discussed included the selection of suitable crop varieties, intercropping, mulching techniques and moisture conservation practices. The government aims to promote these methods on a larger scale to strengthen cotton cultivation and reduce production risks associated with adverse weather conditions.
According to the minister, increasing cotton productivity remains a priority for the agriculture sector during the current crop season.
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Pulse Self-Reliance Mission Gains Momentum
Another major agenda item was the government’s Pulse Self-Reliance Mission. Officials reviewed efforts to enhance domestic production of key pulse crops such as pigeon pea (tur), black gram (urad) and green gram (moong).
Chouhan reiterated the government’s commitment to making India increasingly self-reliant in pulse production while ensuring stable incomes for farmers. Expanding pulse cultivation is expected to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen the country’s food security framework.
India Better Prepared for Weak Monsoon
Despite concerns over El Nino, government assessments indicate that India is better positioned to handle the effects of a potentially weak monsoon than in previous years.
Higher reservoir storage levels, record foodgrain stocks and structural improvements in the agricultural economy are expected to provide a buffer against weather-related challenges. According to the latest available data, reservoir storage levels stood at 30.4 per cent of full capacity in May 2026, significantly higher than the average 25.1 per cent recorded during previous El Nino years between 2015-16 and 2023-24.
The government remains focused on ensuring adequate preparedness for the Kharif season, with contingency planning, improved farming practices and enhanced support mechanisms aimed at protecting both agricultural output and farmers’ livelihoods in the face of uncertain weather conditions.
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