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India Prepares for El Nino's Impact on Kharif Crops, Says Agriculture Minister
Govt fully prepared for El Nino impact on kharif crops: Shivraj Singh
Business Standard
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Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that the Indian government is ready to tackle potential adverse effects of the El Nino phenomenon on kharif crops. Contingency plans are being developed for affected districts, focusing on crop diversification and self-reliance in pulses and oilseeds.
- 01The Ministry is identifying districts for alternative crops and ensuring seed availability in case of El Nino impacts.
- 02El Nino is expected to bring below-normal rainfall, projected at 92% of the long-period average for the southwest monsoon.
- 03India aims for a record foodgrain production of 376.56 million tonnes in the 2025-2026 crop year, an increase of 18.8 million tonnes from the previous year.
- 04ICAR Director General M L Jat emphasized the need for crop diversification, suggesting a reduction of rice cultivation area to 35 million hectares by 2047.
- 05The government is prioritizing timely seed distribution and expanding Kisan Credit Card coverage to support farmers.
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Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that the Indian government is fully prepared to address the potential impacts of the El Nino weather phenomenon on this year's kharif crops. During the National Kharif Conference, he highlighted the importance of integrated farming and self-reliance in pulses and oilseeds. The Ministry is currently identifying districts where alternative crops can be planted and ensuring seed availability to mitigate any adverse effects. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a below-normal southwest monsoon is anticipated, with rainfall expected to be around 92% of the long-period average. Despite these challenges, India is on track for a record foodgrain production of 376.56 million tonnes for the 2025-2026 crop year. ICAR Director General M L Jat pointed out the need for crop diversification and better soil health management. The government is also focused on timely seed distribution and expanding financial support for farmers through Kisan Credit Cards, emphasizing a unified approach in agriculture.
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Farmers in affected districts may need to adapt to changing crop conditions due to El Nino, impacting their livelihoods and agricultural practices.
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