Govt Reviews Kharif Preparedness, Flags 315 Vulnerable Districts
Shivraj Singh Chouhan says Centre is proactively preparing to protect farmers from weak monsoon impact
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 23rd June: The Centre has intensified preparations for the Kharif season amid concerns over a weak monsoon and possible El Niño conditions, with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan chairing a high-level review meeting with states, agricultural experts and district officials.
Chouhan said rainfall has remained around 43 per cent below normal so far, prompting the government to adopt a proactive strategy to minimise risks to farmers and agricultural production.
The Agriculture Ministry and ICAR have identified 315 districts that could be affected by weak monsoon conditions. Of these, 111 districts have been categorised as high priority due to low irrigation coverage.
The Centre has directed states to implement District Agriculture Contingency Plans, promote short-duration and low-water crops, strengthen crop diversification and prioritise pulses, millets and oilseeds in vulnerable regions.
Water conservation has been given top priority, with instructions to restore ponds, check dams, reservoirs and farm ponds. Additional efforts under MGNREGA and rural development programmes will support water harvesting initiatives.
Chouhan said adequate stocks of seeds and fertilisers are available, while extra seed reserves have been kept ready for possible re-sowing needs. Krishi Vigyan Kendras and digital platforms will provide farmers with timely advisories and weather-based guidance.
To safeguard farmers financially, the government will expand coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), accelerate issuance of Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) and leverage PM-KISAN assistance.
The minister assured farmers that there is no need to panic, stating that coordinated efforts by the Centre, states and scientific institutions would help protect agriculture and rural livelihoods from any adverse impact of El Niño.
