Centre on El Niño alert as IMD forecasts 90% monsoon; reservoir storage at 127% of normal

Ziraat Times Team Report

New Delhi, June 3: The Centre has directed states to activate district-level contingency plans and intensify monitoring in vulnerable regions after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) projected that the 2026 Southwest Monsoon could be below normal at around 90 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA), with possible development of El Niño conditions during the season. However, reservoir storage across the country currently stands at 127.01 per cent of the normal level, offering a significant buffer for Kharif crop cultivation.

Chairing a high-level review meeting at Krishi Bhawan, Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said farmers need not panic as the government has initiated advance preparations to minimize the impact of any weather-related challenges.

“The interests of farmers are of supreme importance and all necessary preparations must be completed in time,” Chouhan said while reviewing monsoon forecasts, water availability, seed stocks, crop planning and state preparedness.

According to officials, the IMD has indicated the possibility of below-normal monsoon rainfall this year, prompting the Centre to place states on alert and strengthen preparedness measures. Chouhan said weather forecasts were being taken seriously, but emphasized that improved water management, expansion of irrigation infrastructure, climate-resilient farming practices and technological interventions could substantially reduce potential risks.

A key positive highlighted during the meeting was the country’s healthy reservoir position. Officials informed that reservoir storage levels are currently 127.01 per cent of normal for this period, which is expected to support irrigation requirements during the Kharif season and reduce the risk of moisture stress in agricultural fields.

The minister directed special monitoring and swift action in states and districts likely to face low rainfall, prolonged dry spells or a stronger impact of El Niño. He said contingency plans must be operationalized at the grassroots level and should not remain limited to paperwork.

“Contingency plans should not remain only on paper but should be clearly visible on the ground,” Chouhan said, adding that district-specific plans should account for local water resources, crop patterns, seed availability, sowing progress and rainfall conditions.

The government, he said, is focusing on ensuring adequate seed supplies, moisture conservation, efficient water management and alternative crop planning. Farmers should be provided timely access to drought-resistant and short-duration crop varieties, along with guidance on delayed sowing and other adaptive strategies.

Officials informed the meeting that seed availability for both Kharif and Rabi seasons is more than adequate, while a National Seed Reserve has also been created to address emergency requirements. Chouhan stressed the need to ensure that only certified, high-quality seeds reach farmers.

The minister also called for intensified efforts towards moisture conservation, water harvesting, farm pond construction and strengthening of local water-storage infrastructure. He noted that scientific water management could help save crops even if rainfall remains below expectations.

Special emphasis was laid on disease and pest management, with Chouhan directing advance identification of potential outbreaks linked to changing weather conditions. He instructed officials to strengthen monitoring systems and ensure timely dissemination of advisories and treatment recommendations.

The minister also stressed the need to improve direct communication with farmers through mobile advisories, weather alerts, crop recommendations and pest management information. He said state agencies, call centres and digital platforms should work together to ensure farmers receive timely and accurate guidance.

Chouhan further called for continuous review of state preparedness and stronger coordination among departments dealing with agriculture, irrigation, rural development, weather forecasting and water resources.

He said the Centre’s objective is not merely to assess risks but to take timely preventive measures to ensure uninterrupted farming activities and a successful Kharif season despite any weather-related challenges.