Centre activates district-level contingency plans after El Niño warning and below-normal monsoon forecast

The Centre has directed all states to activate district-level contingency plans following warnings of a below-normal southwest monsoon and the possible development of El Niño conditions, according to the agriculture ministry.

Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan chaired a high-level meeting at Krishi Bhawan, stressing the need for immediate preparedness to protect farmers from potential rainfall deficits. He instructed officials to ensure timely farmer advisories, availability of certified drought-tolerant and short-duration seeds, and better moisture conservation practices.

Chouhan said contingency plans must be implemented based on ground-level conditions and should not remain limited to paperwork. He also asked states to prepare strategies for re-sowing, life-saving irrigation, and alternative cropping in case of rainfall gaps lasting two to four weeks.

The ministry emphasized strengthening digital platforms and call-centre services to deliver real-time advisories to farmers. It also highlighted the need to monitor pest and disease outbreaks that could rise due to changing weather patterns.

Officials noted that sufficient seed stock is available for both kharif and rabi seasons, along with a national reserve for emergencies. The government also urged scientific use of reservoir water and focused soil moisture conservation through farm ponds and other local measures.

Chouhan appealed to farmers not to panic, stating that coordinated efforts between the Centre and states, along with climate-resilient agricultural practices, will help reduce the impact of adverse weather conditions.

Senior officials from IMD, ICAR, and the agriculture ministry also attended the meeting, which will be followed by continuous monitoring and support to states with weak preparedness.