States told to prepare contingency plans for districts likely to face low rainfall during kharif season

New Delhi: Agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has directed states to prepare contingency plans for districts likely to face low or uneven rainfall during the kharif season as the country braces for its weakest monsoon in 11 years due to strong El Nino conditions. The agriculture ministry has identified 9-10 states likely to face a greater impact from El Nino and has drawn up a special plan focusing on water conservation, moisture management, inter-cropping and alternative cropping patterns.

At a weekly review meeting, Chouhan assessed kharif preparedness, crop-wise targets, fertiliser availability, mandi prices, reservoir levels and state-wise stocks. He asked officials to identify vulnerable districts and prepare crop-specific plans in coordination with state governments. The agriculture ministry review also focused on increasing cotton production through scientific farming practices.