New Delhi: The Prime Minister’s Office on Tuesday conducted a high level review meeting to assess India’s preparedness for the ongoing Kharif cropping season and minimise the possible impact of the El Niño weather pattern on agriculture and the economy.
The meeting, chaired by Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr P.K. Mishra, brought together senior officials from more than 15 Union ministries and departments, including Agriculture, Power, Water Resources, Health and the India Meteorological Department.
Officials were informed that although the southwest monsoon arrived nearly 10 days late across key agricultural regions of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra, rainfall has improved considerably in recent days. As of July 7, the country’s overall monsoon deficit has narrowed to 12 percent following a strong spell of rain, with July expected to contribute a significant share of the season’s total rainfall.
Meteorological experts said a weak to moderate El Niño is likely to continue through July and August but stressed that such conditions do not necessarily result in below normal rainfall across India.
To protect agricultural production, the government has activated district level contingency plans in 262 vulnerable districts. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research has also issued standard operating procedures to help farmers manage risks associated with El Niño, while weekly monitoring meetings will track rainfall, sowing progress, reservoir levels, availability of farm inputs and pest outbreaks.
The government is also accelerating enrolment under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and the Kisan Credit Card programme to strengthen financial support for farmers in vulnerable regions.
During the review, Dr P.K. Mishra directed all ministries to maintain close coordination with state governments to ensure timely implementation of contingency measures. Departments responsible for water resources and drinking water have been instructed to prioritise water availability through local planning while ensuring efficient use of reservoir storage.
Officials also confirmed that buffer stocks of rice, wheat and pulses remain adequate, retail prices are stable and sufficient fertiliser stocks are available for the current season as well as the upcoming Rabi crop.
To support rural communities, the Department of Rural Development reported that more than one crore person days of employment have been generated under the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission since July 1. The Department of Animal Husbandry has also been directed to monitor fodder availability closely to prevent shortages.
The Health Ministry has meanwhile intensified surveillance for seasonal diseases, issuing advisories to monitor the combined risks of high humidity, prolonged heatwaves and dengue outbreaks, with an emphasis on ensuring timely alerts and response measures at the grassroots level.
