India Implements Contingency Plan for Kharif Season Amid El Nino Threat
El Nino threat: Centre rolls out kharif contingency plan to shield crops
Image: The Economic Times
The Indian agriculture ministry has launched a contingency plan to address potential crop failures during the kharif season due to the El Nino climate phenomenon. The plan includes promoting short-duration crops, distributing drought-resistant seeds, and enhancing irrigation management to mitigate the expected deficient monsoon rainfall, projected at 92% of the long-term average.
- 01The India Meteorological Department warns of a 35% probability of drought-like conditions due to El Nino.
- 02States are directed to develop district-wise crop strategies, focusing on short-duration crops like pulses and millets.
- 03The government is distributing drought-resistant seed varieties in districts most affected by El Nino.
- 04Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized the need for timely provision of seeds, fertilizers, and alternative crop options.
- 05A study indicates that kharif crop output can dip more than 10% during El Nino years, highlighting the need for government intervention.
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In preparation for the kharif season, the Indian agriculture ministry has initiated a contingency plan to combat the adverse effects of the El Nino climate phenomenon, which is expected to result in a deficient monsoon. The India Meteorological Department has forecasted monsoon rainfall at approximately 92% of the long-term average, with a 35% chance of drought-like conditions. To mitigate these risks, the government is promoting short-duration crops such as pulses, certain millets, and vegetables, which require less water and mature quickly. Additionally, drought-resistant seed varieties are being distributed in districts anticipated to be severely impacted by El Nino. Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has stressed the importance of timely resource allocation, including seeds and fertilizers, and has directed state agriculture departments to closely monitor irrigation and reservoir levels. The ministry aims to provide localized weather advisories and crop strategies to minimize economic losses and ensure food security during this challenging agricultural year. A study has shown that El Nino years can lead to a 10% decline in kharif crop output in many districts, necessitating proactive measures from the government.
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Farmers may face challenges due to potential crop failures, but the government's proactive measures aim to mitigate these risks and sustain agricultural productivity.
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