In light of the India Meteorological Department's forecast of a below-normal southwest monsoon at 90% of the long-period average, largely attributed to El Niño, the Indian government has activated several preparedness measures to safeguard kharif crops. The Agriculture Ministry has established a Crop Weather Watch Group to convene weekly, monitoring rainfall patterns, sowing progress, reservoir levels, pest incidence, and price trends. A Crisis Management Group has also been formed, comprising relief commissioners and state disaster management authorities, to coordinate responses. States are urged to maintain a seed reserve of at least 1%, focusing on short and medium-duration varieties. Fertiliser availability is currently at 51% of the kharif season requirement, aided by advance procurement. Additionally, wheat and rice stocks are robust, standing at 513 lakh tonnes and 397 lakh tonnes, respectively, far exceeding buffer norms. The government is monitoring the situation closely to mitigate impacts on farmers and ensure food security.