Government Plans Contingency Measures for Kharif Season Amid Weak Monsoon Concerns

The agriculture and farmer welfare ministry is preparing contingency strategies in coordination with state governments to address anticipated low rainfall during the kharif season. Concerns over El Niño conditions and a below-normal monsoon have prompted the ministry to focus on water conservation, inter-cropping, and alternative crop patterns to protect farmers during the June–October cycle.

Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has directed officials to hold regular coordination meetings with district magistrates and agricultural agencies across nine to ten states expected to be heavily affected. The India Meteorological Department has forecast below-normal rainfall for June–September, with officials warning that reduced rainfall could lower reservoir levels and impact irrigation, rabi sowing, hydropower generation, and drinking water supply.