The central government is fully prepared to tackle any potential adverse impact of the El Nino weather phenomenon on the upcoming Kharif season, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced on Thursday .
Addressing reporters on the sidelines of the two-day National Kharif Conference in New Delhi, Mr. Chouhan emphasized that “preparedness, not panic, is the priority” and that detailed contingency plans will be rolled out at the district level to protect farmers’ interests .
‘Crop changes wherever necessary’
“Rather than worrying, preparation is required. Contingency plans will be made for affected districts and crop changes will be considered wherever necessary,” the Minister told reporters .
The Agriculture Ministry is currently identifying specific districts that could face rainfall deficits and is working to ensure the availability of alternative crop seeds in case El Nino conditions affect the monsoon .
Below-normal monsoon forecast
The India Meteorological Department (IMD), in its first-stage forecast issued on April 13, has projected a below-normal southwest monsoon for 2026, with rainfall likely to be around 92 per cent of the long-period average (LPA) .
Multiple global agencies have confirmed the emerging risk. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has indicated a probable return of El Nino conditions as early as May-July, while the US-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted El Nino conditions are likely to emerge during May-June and persist through the end of the year .
El Nino, characterized by unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, is typically associated with drier and hotter conditions in India, posing risks to crop yields and agricultural output .
Focus on pulses, oilseeds diversification
A recurring theme of the conference was the push for crop diversification and self-reliance. Mr. Chouhan called for integrated farming and reducing India’s dependence on imports of pulses and oilseeds .
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Director General M.L. Jat noted that India has already achieved its rice output targets set for 2047, underscoring the urgent case for diversification .
“We don’t need 50 million hectares under rice. We need 35 million hectares by 2047. If we have to offload 15 million hectares, redirecting that to oilseeds and pulses could make us self-reliant in those crops,” Mr. Jat stated .
Seed quality and nutrient management flagged
The ICAR chief also flagged that over 100 districts are using fertilizers beyond scientifically recommended levels, calling for a multi-pronged strategy that includes nutrient-efficient crop breeding, higher use of organic inputs, and improved soil health management .
Seed quality was identified as a critical priority. “Delivering quality seeds to farmers alone could raise productivity by 15-20 per cent,” Mr. Jat said, urging state farms, agricultural universities, and ICAR institutions to prioritize seed production .
‘One Nation, One Agriculture’
Mr. Chouhan called for a unified approach under the banner of “Team Agriculture — One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team” and warned that lack of seriousness at the state level would not be tolerated .
The Minister directed officials to ensure timely seed distribution ahead of the monsoon, expand Kisan Credit Card coverage, expedite Farmer ID issuance, and take strict action against those selling spurious seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides .
Record production despite challenges
Notwithstanding the weather concerns, Mr. Chouhan confirmed that India is on track to achieve record foodgrain production of 376.56 million tonnes in the 2025-26 crop year (July-June), an increase of 18.8 million tonnes over the previous year .
The Minister also noted that India has overtaken China to become the world’s largest rice producer .
The National Kharif Conference is being held at the NASC Complex in Pusa, New Delhi, bringing together senior officials from the Centre, states, and agricultural research institutions to finalize strategies ahead of the kharif sowing season . Kharif sowing normally starts in June and peaks in June-July with the arrival and progress of the southwest monsoon .
