NEW DELHI, May 29: The Centre on Thursday said it is fully prepared to tackle any adverse impact of a possible El Nino weather pattern on the upcoming Kharif season, with contingency planning and alternative crop strategies being readied for vulnerable districts across the country.
Speaking on the sidelines of the two-day National Kharif Conference, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the Government is focusing on preparedness rather than concern, amid forecasts of below normal monsoon rainfall this year.
He said district-wise contingency plans are being developed and alternative crops will be identified wherever required. The Agriculture Ministry is also ensuring adequate seed availability to minimise any disruption in sowing operations.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has projected below-normal southwest monsoon rainfall for 2026 at 92 per cent of the long-period average. Global weather agencies, including the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the US-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), have also indicated the possible emergence of El Nino conditions during the coming months.
El Nino is associated with warmer Pacific Ocean temperatures and generally leads to hotter and drier weather conditions in India, affecting agricultural output.
Kharif sowing activities have begun in a few regions receiving pre-monsoon showers, though large-scale sowing is expected to gather pace in June and July with the advancement of the southwest monsoon.
Despite weather-related concerns, Chouhan expressed confidence over agricultural output and said India is likely to achieve a record foodgrain production of 376.56 million tonnes during the 2025-26 crop year, registering a significant increase over the previous year.
During the conference, ICAR Director General ML Jat stressed the need for crop diversification, stating that rice cultivation area could be reduced in the long term to encourage higher production of pulses and oilseeds and improve self-reliance in these sectors.
He also raised concerns over excessive fertiliser use in several districts and called for balanced nutrient management, greater adoption of organic inputs and improved soil health practices.
Highlighting the importance of quality seeds, Jat said improved seed distribution alone could enhance agricultural productivity by up to 20 per cent. He also emphasised the need for a stronger agricultural data ecosystem to support technology-driven farming initiatives and AI-based platforms.
Chouhan urged closer coordination between the Centre and States under a unified agricultural framework and directed officials to ensure timely seed supply, expand Kisan Credit Card coverage and accelerate Farmer ID distribution before the monsoon season.
The Minister further warned of strict action against those involved in the sale of counterfeit seeds, fertilisers and pesticides.