Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has unequivocally ruled out a narrative of panic over the looming El Nino threat, asserting that “preparation, not fear” will be the guiding principle to safeguard the Kharif crop .
Speaking during a high-level review meeting at Krishi Bhawan, Chouhan emphasized that while the weather forecasts are being taken “very seriously,” the government is fully prepared to mitigate any adverse impact on the agricultural sector .
Identifying Vulnerable Districts
The minister directed officials to identify districts likely to receive low or uneven rainfall and prepare crop-wise contingency plans in collaboration with state governments . The impact of El Nino is expected to be relatively severe in 9-10 states, where coordinated meetings will be organized involving District Magistrates, Agriculture Departments, and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) .
“Such districts should be identified, and crop-wise contingency plans should be prepared… so that in the event of any weather-related challenge, farmers can be immediately provided with alternatives, advice, and assistance,” Chouhan said .
Promoting Cotton and Pulses Self-Reliance
A significant focus of the meeting was on boosting cotton production. The minister emphasized scientific methods, including the selection of appropriate varieties, intercropping, mulching, and moisture conservation on a large scale to increase both cotton productivity and farmers’ income .
Detailed discussions were also held on the Pulse Self-Reliance Mission, with the goal of making the country increasingly self-reliant in pulses like pigeon pea, black gram, and green gram .
Adequate Seed Stocks and Fertilizer Availability
The minister highlighted that India has sufficient seed stocks for the upcoming Kharif season. Against the total requirement of 173 lakh quintals, 192 lakh quintals are available, representing an 11% surplus . A buffer stock of 1.74 lakh quintals has also been made to handle any emergency situations .
On fertilizer availability, Chouhan assured that national stocks are adequate and will be streamlined to states and districts as the monsoon progresses .
Calm and Solution-Oriented Messaging
Chouhan stressed the importance of delivering “calm, reliable, and solution-oriented messages” to farmers rather than alarmist communication . He said, “Instead of exaggerating the danger, a calm, trustworthy and solution-oriented message based on scientific analysis should reach the farmers” .
India is better positioned to withstand the impact of a potentially weak monsoon, backed by higher reservoir levels, record foodgrain stocks, and structural improvements in the economy. Reservoir storage levels stood at 30.4 per cent in May 2026, higher than the average 25.1 per cent recorded during previous El Nino years .
