Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: With Kerala recording a 28 per cent rainfall deficit and temperatures rising by up to two degrees Celsius in some areas, the state government has decided to establish a state-level monitoring unit to address the impact of El Niño and other climate change-related challenges on the agricultural sector.

The proposed unit will bring together various government departments and agencies, including the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), to coordinate preventive measures and climate adaptation initiatives.

The decision was taken at a ministerial-level meeting chaired by Agriculture Minister T Siddique. The meeting also resolved to formulate short-term and long-term strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change and ensure the effective utilisation of funds available through various government schemes and agencies.

As part of the action plan, the government will prioritise conserving water resources, restoring streams and ponds, improving water management systems, promoting drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and constructing water storage wells.

Measures will also be introduced to increase green cover in agricultural areas, retain soil moisture and minimise the impact of direct sunlight on crops.

Addressing the meeting, Agriculture Minister T Siddique stressed the need for a comprehensive initiative to protect agricultural land, farming activities and crops from the growing threats posed by climate change.

He directed departments to coordinate their financial resources and prepare an immediate action plan through joint meetings to ensure maximum utilisation of available funds.

The minister expressed concern over the possibility of rising temperatures and worsening water scarcity in the coming years.

He pointed out that Kerala was currently experiencing a 28 per cent rainfall deficit, while temperatures had increased by two degrees Celsius in certain areas.

Siddique called for the identification of regions requiring urgent intervention and the implementation of effective measures to conserve water and maintain soil moisture.

Under the proposed framework, district collectors will convene meetings of relevant departments in all districts to assess climate-related challenges and develop action plans suited to local conditions.

Similar plans will be prepared and implemented at the panchayat level. The progress of these initiatives will be reviewed periodically at the state level to ensure timely follow-up action.

Special focus on Kuttanad

The government will also examine the possibility of introducing a special intervention programme for Kuttanad, one of the regions particularly vulnerable to climate-related challenges.

Siddique said further discussions would be held with the Water Resources and Revenue ministers to formulate a dedicated mission for the region.

Local Self-Government Minister KM Shaji said climate change was adversely affecting not only agriculture but also natural ecosystems.

He said local bodies would strengthen ongoing initiatives to protect natural drainage channels and streams, restore water sources through waste management and cleaning activities, and improve environmental conservation.

The Local Self-Government Department would work closely with the Agriculture Department to implement measures aimed at protecting farming communities from climate-related threats, he added.

Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph identified the lack of coordination among government departments as a major obstacle to the effective implementation of development projects.

He stressed the need to establish clear priorities and ensure the efficient utilisation of funds to address climate change and the specific challenges facing Kuttanad.

Joseph said the government would strengthen interdepartmental coordination to address these issues.

He also called for the timely implementation of projects related to water conservation, flood prevention, drainage management, bund protection and agricultural calendars under the leadership of the Agriculture Minister.

The Water Resources Department would extend its full support to these initiatives, he assured.

Revenue Minister AP Anilkumar said long-term interventions were essential to address the challenges faced by Kerala’s agricultural sector following the devastating floods of 2018 and subsequent climate-related disasters.

He emphasised the need to effectively utilise the Agricultural Development Fund to protect natural drainage channels, streams and water bodies while reducing the impact of floods.

The government would also consider necessary legislative amendments and comprehensive project proposals to strengthen the agricultural sector, he said, assuring the Revenue Department’s full cooperation.

Land Revenue Commissioner H Dineshan, Local Self-Government Department Principal Director Divya S Iyer, Agriculture Director Arjun Pandyan and representatives of various government departments and agencies attended the meeting.