Kolkata, New Delhi, INDIA. New York, USA.
Business To Business, New Delhi, 29th May, 2026: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday urged state governments to prepare for the possibility of low rainfall and other adverse weather conditions amid concerns over the El Niño phenomenon and forecasts of a below-normal monsoon this year.
Speaking at the conclusion of the National Agriculture Conference – Kharif Campaign 2026, Chouhan said the Union agriculture ministry is preparing contingency plans to manage any disruption during the upcoming Kharif sowing season, which begins in June with the onset of the southwest monsoon.
He said the government is closely monitoring the El Niño situation and preparing for scenarios such as delayed monsoon onset or prolonged dry spells. The minister also assured that adequate stocks of seeds and fertilisers are available to meet farmers’ requirements.
The remarks come after the India Meteorological Department indicated the possibility of below-normal monsoon conditions, raising concerns about agricultural output, water availability, and rural incomes in India.