Centre prepares Plan B for Kharif as El Niño threat looms over 9-10 States

Even before Kharif sowing gathers pace across the country, the Centre is preparing a Plan B.

Anticipating that El Niño could have a relatively severe impact in around nine to 10 states during the upcoming crop season, the government has asked authorities to identify vulnerable districts and draw up crop-specific backup plans to protect farmers against possible rainfall disruptions.

Chairing a weekly review of Kharif 2026 preparations on Tuesday, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan directed state governments to work with district administrations, Agriculture Departments, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and extension agencies to ensure farmers receive timely advisories and practical support if weather conditions turn adverse.

Officials have been asked to prepare district-wise strategies tailored to local conditions, with a focus on water conservation, moisture management, intercropping and alternative cropping patterns in rain-deficit areas.

The minister stressed that farmers should receive "calm, reliable and solution-oriented" advice backed by scientific assessment rather than alarmist messaging.

The review also focused on strengthening domestic production of cotton and pulses. Chouhan called for greater adoption of scientific farming practices, including the use of suitable crop varieties, mulching and moisture conservation techniques to improve productivity and farm incomes.

Under the Pulses Self-Sufficiency Mission, the Centre is working with states to expand the cultivation of pigeon pea, black gram and green gram through crop rotation, area expansion, improved seed availability and technical support, as part of efforts to reduce India's reliance on imports.

The meeting also assessed fertiliser stocks, market prices, reservoir levels and water availability across states. Chouhan said fertiliser supplies remain adequate at the national level and instructed officials to ensure advance stocking in areas that could face localised shortages as the monsoon progresses.

Emphasising the importance of coordination, the minister said the expertise of agricultural universities, ICAR institutes and KVKs is valuable only when it reaches farmers in time.

He called for regular reviews and continuous feedback from the field to ensure a productive and secure Kharif season despite emerging weather risks.

With PTI inputs