The government has said that it is continuously monitoring the evolving monsoon situation and the possible impact of El Niño conditions on agriculture in close coordination with the India Meteorological Department. Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Ramnath Thakur said this in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

He informed that District Agriculture Contingency Plans have been updated for 15 states covering 342 districts, which are likely to receive below-normal rainfall. Mr Thakur highlighted that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have also been issued by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research for Krishi Vigyan Kendras to mitigate El Niño-related risks.

The Minister said adequate availability of seeds has been ensured against the demand of over 172 lakh quintals from the states. Mr Thakur informed that the Central Water Commission and state governments have been advised to undertake advance planning for optimum utilisation of reservoir water and promote efficient irrigation practices.