NEW DELHI, Jun 26: The Central Government has asked states and farmers to prepare for an uncertain monsoon season by adopting contingency farming measures as rainfall across several parts of the country continues to remain significantly below normal.
According to official assessments, monsoon rainfall since the beginning of June has remained substantially lower than the seasonal average in many rain-fed regions, prompting the Centre to activate district-level contingency plans to safeguard agricultural production.
The Ministry of Agriculture has advised farmers, particularly those dependent on rainfall, to switch to crops requiring less water, including pulses, oilseeds and millets, wherever sowing conditions have been affected. Officials said the strategy is aimed at reducing crop losses and ensuring stable farm incomes if rainfall deficits continue.
Authorities have identified more than 300 vulnerable districts across the country where rainfall shortages could impact kharif cultivation. State governments have been asked to remain in close coordination with agricultural universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and local extension agencies to provide timely advisories to cultivators.
Officials said seed reserves of drought tolerant crop varieties have been positioned in advance to facilitate quick distribution if required. The Centre has also directed states to ensure the availability of fertilisers, irrigation support and crop advisory services throughout the sowing season.
Agriculture experts believe that early intervention can significantly reduce the impact of erratic weather patterns. They noted that diversification towards climate resilient crops not only conserves water but also helps farmers manage production risks during deficient monsoon years.
The government emphasised that food security remains a priority and assured that it is closely monitoring weather forecasts issued by the India Meteorological Department. Contingency measures will be revised depending on rainfall distribution during the coming weeks.
Officials expressed confidence that coordinated action between the Centre and states would help minimise disruptions to agricultural output while protecting the livelihoods of millions of farming families across the country.