El Niño Threat Looms Over Kharif Season, Centre Identifies 12 High-Risk States

With concerns mounting over a potentially weak monsoon this year, the Centre has intensified preparations for the Kharif 2026 season , identifying 12 states that could face a severe impact from the El Niño weather phenomenon and directing authorities to put district-level contingency plans in place well before any crisis emerges.

Chairing a review meeting on Kharif preparations , Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan instructed state governments and agricultural agencies to work closely in identifying vulnerable districts and preparing crop-specific response strategies. The move comes amid forecasts of below-normal rainfall and growing uncertainty over weather conditions during the crucial June-September monsoon period.

According to senior Agriculture Ministry officials, contingency plans are being prepared for 326 districts across Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Odisha, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra , which are expected to be the most vulnerable to El Niño-related disruptions.

The ministry has stressed the need for coordinated action involving district administrations, Agriculture Departments, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and extension networks to ensure timely support reaches farmers. Officials have been asked to develop district-specific strategies focusing on water conservation , moisture management , intercropping , and alternative crop patterns to minimise potential losses in rain-deficient areas.

The concern stems from forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) , which has indicated that El Niño conditions are already present over the equatorial Pacific Ocean and are likely to strengthen during the southwest monsoon season . The weather agency has projected monsoon rainfall at around 90 per cent of the long-period average , signalling a below-normal monsoon .

While emphasising preparedness, Chouhan urged officials to avoid creating panic among farmers. Instead, he called for the dissemination of scientifically backed, solution-oriented guidance that can help cultivators make informed decisions during periods of weather uncertainty.

The review meeting also focused on enhancing agricultural productivity and strengthening India's long-term food security goals. Chouhan encouraged wider adoption of scientific farming practices , improved seed varieties, moisture conservation techniques, mulching, and intercropping to boost yields and farm incomes.

A major focus remained on the government's Pulses Self-Sufficiency Mission , under which efforts are being intensified to expand the cultivation of pigeon pea, black gram, and green gram . The strategy includes crop rotation, area expansion, better seed availability, and technical support aimed at reducing India's dependence on imports.

Officials also reviewed fertiliser availability , market prices, reservoir levels, and water storage across states. The Agriculture Minister assured that fertiliser supplies remain adequate nationwide and directed departments to ensure timely distribution, particularly in regions that may face localised shortages as the monsoon progresses.

Reiterating the importance of coordination, Chouhan called for stronger collaboration among ICAR institutes , agricultural universities, KVKs, and state departments, stressing that technical knowledge can benefit farmers only when it reaches fields at the right time. With weather uncertainties expected to dominate the season, the Centre's focus remains on preparedness , resilience , and safeguarding farmers from the potential fallout of a challenging monsoon.