Bhubaneswar: With El Nino getting activated in May, in what is seen as a major pre-emptive move to safeguard India’s agricultural sector, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, chaired a high-level review meeting to frame contingency plans for the upcoming Southwest Monsoon and the looming threat

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a sobering forecast for 2026, predicting below-normal rainfall at roughly 90 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA). Despite these weather challenges, Minister Chouhan issued a firm message of reassurance, stating that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government is fully prepared, and "farmers do not need to panic at all."

Scientific Water Strategy and Reservoir Advantage

A critical asset identified during the review is the current state of the nation's water reservoirs. Latest assessments reveal that reservoir storage stands at a robust 127.01 per cent of normal levels for this period.

To capitalize on this advantage, Minister Chouhan ordered a scientific, balanced distribution of water. He explicitly directed state governments to verify that irrigation water successfully reaches the tail ends of canal systems and command areas to protect the maximum number of fields.

Activation of Ground-Level Contingency Plans

Emphasizing that emergency plans must not become "mere paperwork exercises," the Union Minister demanded swift, district-specific action. The strategy shifts focus away from generalized advisories toward area-specific and crop-specific interventions.

Key directives issued to central and state agencies include:

• District-Level Monitoring: Continuous reviews in zones vulnerable to prolonged dry spells.
• Dry-Spell Strategies: Ready-to-print action plans for resowing and life-saving irrigation during sudden 2-to-4-week rain gaps.
• Pest Management: Early identification and warning systems for crop diseases that thrive during moisture imbalances.

Seed Security and Rural Infrastructure Mobilization

Addressing input security, officials confirmed that the National Seed Reserve is fully stocked for both the Kharif and Rabi seasons. Minister Chouhan placed strict emphasis on seed quality, warning that inferior seeds amplify the damage of low rainfall. States are now legally responsible for distributing only certified, short-duration, and drought-resistant varieties.

Simultaneously, the Ministry is mobilizing rural development agencies to execute immediate moisture conservation. On-the-ground efforts will prioritize rainwater harvesting, the construction of farm ponds, and the strengthening of local water-retaining structures to keep soil viable even during low-rainfall cycles.

Digital Shield for Farmers

To bridge the gap between policy and execution, the government is deploying its advanced digital and technical platforms. Agriculture authorities will use state-level networks, dedicated call centres, and direct mobile messaging to send real-time warnings and crop-shifting advisories straight to farmers' phones.

The Minister assured the farmers that Centre will continuously monitor the preparedness of individual states, stepping in with direct intervention and guidance wherever local implementation lags.

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