Amid El Niño concerns, Shivraj reviews readiness for upcoming kharif season

He emphasised that farmers’ welfare remains the government’s top priority and said all necessary steps were being taken to mitigate the potential impact of El Niño.

Officials informed the meeting that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has projected a below-normal southwest monsoon this year, with seasonal rainfall estimated at around 92 per cent of the long period average (LPA).

There is also a likelihood of El Niño conditions developing during the monsoon season, with a final assessment expected in the last week of May.

Chouhan said coordinated efforts between the Centre and states, improved water management, adoption of advanced technologies, expansion of irrigation and climate-resilient practices would help contain the impact of any adverse conditions.

He added that reservoir levels were currently satisfactory, with storage at 127.01 per cent of the normal level for this period, which is expected to support irrigation needs during the kharif season and reduce the risk of moisture stress.

The Agriculture Ministry noted that between 2000 and 2016, El Niño had a more pronounced impact on farm output due to higher dependence on rainfall and limited risk-mitigation mechanisms. In recent years, improved irrigation, better farm management, technological advances and enhanced seed quality have stabilised productivity.

The meeting also highlighted that crops such as paddy show relatively higher resilience, while contingency plans are being prepared for other crops.

The government is focusing on providing timely advisories, seeds and resources to farmers through area- and crop-specific strategies. It added that seed availability for both kharif and rabi seasons is more than adequate, with a national reserve in place to meet emergency requirements and enable quick deployment in affected regions.

Chouhan said the focus is on proactive measures to ensure farm activity remains uninterrupted and the kharif season progresses smoothly despite emerging climate challenges.