Can July rains save Kharif? Centre readies contingency plan to tackle food prices & crop loss

The Centre has intensified monitoring of the Kharif season amid concerns over El Niño and an uneven monsoon. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said June's 33% rainfall deficit has narrowed to 24% after improved July showers, while rainfall-deficient districts have reduced significantly. The government has activated contingency plans, stocked reserve seeds, advised farmers to shift to low-water crops where needed, and stepped up crop insurance and credit support. Here's what the latest monsoon update means for Kharif sowing, food production, inflation and consumers across India.