Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan conducted a high-level weekly agriculture review meeting at Krishi Bhavan in New Delhi on June 16, 2026, focusing on comprehensive preparations for the Kharif 2026 season amid potential El Niño conditions. The meeting emphasized protecting farmers' interests as the government's top priority under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guidance.
In response to possible El Niño impacts, the Minister directed advanced preparations for districts likely to experience low or uneven rainfall, requiring identification of such districts and development of crop-wise contingency plans in coordination with state governments. The strategy includes special attention to water conservation, moisture management, inter-cropping, and alternative crop patterns, with practical district-specific strategies to ensure uninterrupted farming activities.
The Minister mandated coordinated meetings with District Magistrates, Agriculture Departments, and Krishi Vigyan Kendras in 9-10 states expected to be most affected by El Niño, focusing on awareness campaigns to inform farmers about safer crop options based on scientific analysis rather than exaggerating dangers.
Regarding specific crops, the review highlighted a mission-mode campaign to increase cotton production through promotion of scientific methods, selection of appropriate varieties, inter-cropping, mulching, and moisture conservation measures to improve both productivity and farmer income. The Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission received special emphasis, targeting reduced import dependence through coordinated efforts with states on crop cycles, area expansion, better seed availability, and technical guidance for pulses including pigeon pea, black gram, and moong.
The meeting also reviewed fertiliser availability, mandi prices, reservoir status, water storage levels, and state-wise stocks. The Minister confirmed adequate national-level fertiliser availability and directed efficient supply coordination to states and districts as monsoon progress accelerates, with particular attention to preventing micro-level shortages.
Better coordination between agricultural universities, Indian Council of Agricultural Research institutions, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and state agriculture departments was emphasized to ensure timely transfer of technical knowledge to farmers. The Minister stressed that continuous dialogue, regular review, and ground-level feedback are essential for making the Kharif 2026 season secure and successful.