New Delhi: The Centre is closely monitoring the impact of below normal monsoon rainfall and the possibility of drought conditions emerging in several parts of the country, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said after chairing a high level review meeting on the national rainfall situation.
The meeting examined the effects of deficient rainfall linked to El Niño conditions and discussed measures to reduce pressure on agriculture, water resources and rural livelihoods during the ongoing kharif season.
India experienced its fifth driest June since rainfall records began in 1901, receiving only 99.5 mm of rainfall against the normal average of 165.3 mm, resulting in a deficit of nearly 40 percent.
Shah directed central ministries and agencies to remain alert and work closely with state governments to manage the evolving situation. He also called for timely guidance to farmers regarding crop choices suitable for regions facing water shortages during the sowing season.
The Home Minister emphasised the importance of maintaining adequate electricity supply for agricultural activities and closely tracking water levels in reservoirs across the country. He urged authorities to promote cultivation of crops requiring less water, including millets, pulses and fodder crops, to reduce stress on limited water resources.
Despite concerns over rainfall, the government said that stocks of essential food grains, including rice and wheat, remain sufficient and prices of key commodities continue to stay stable.
The rainfall deficit has already affected kharif sowing, with the cultivated area under seasonal crops declining significantly compared to the same period last year. Central India reported the sharpest shortfall in rainfall during June, while forecasts suggest that July may also witness below normal precipitation.
The review meeting also addressed flood and landslide damage in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, with instructions issued for a central team to assess losses and coordinate relief measures in the affected regions.
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