States Advised to Formulate Contingency Plans Amidst El Niño Threat

05-Jun-2026 08:23 PM

New Delhi: In view of the potential impact of El Niño and the likelihood of a weak monsoon this year, the Union Ministry of Agriculture has directed all states and Union Territories to prepare contingency plans.

This aims to ensure that farmers receive timely alternative support during the Kharif season. Specifically, the directive suggests identifying districts that are highly susceptible to drought due to scanty or negligible rainfall.

The Meteorological Department has forecast that the country will receive 90 percent of the normal average rainfall during this year's monsoon season. Rainfall distribution may also be uneven, potentially leading to a severe drought crisis in several regions.

In such areas, efforts could be made to cultivate alternative crops that require less water, such as coarse cereals, pulses, and oilseeds.

Conversely, in regions where good rainfall is expected, the cultivation of paddy and cotton can proceed smoothly, and the sowing of other crops will also face no hurdles. The Ministry of Agriculture is prepared to extend all possible assistance to the states.