The Prime Minister's Office conducted a high-level review meeting on July 7, 2026, chaired by Principal Secretary Dr. P.K. Mishra, to assess the potential impact of El Nino on various economic sectors and review preparedness measures. The meeting was attended by secretaries and senior officials from over fifteen ministries including Agriculture, Power, Co-operation, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Health and Family Welfare, Economic Affairs, Animal Husbandry, Rural Development, Earth Sciences, Agricultural Research and Education, Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Information & Broadcasting, Consumer Affairs, Financial Services, Fertilizers, and Central Water Commission.
Meteorological Assessment and Monsoon Status
The Indian Meteorological Department presented that the all-India monsoon deficit stood at -12% as of July 7, 2026, with a 10-day delay in monsoon onset observed in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra. The first week of July showed above-normal monsoon rainfall, and weak to moderate El Nino conditions are expected during July and August. IMD emphasized that July receives over 30% of the monsoon season's rainfall and that an El Nino year does not necessarily lead to deficient rainfall below normal levels.
Agricultural Preparedness and Contingency Measures
The Agriculture Ministry detailed comprehensive preparedness measures, including weekly meetings of Crop Weather Watch groups with states to monitor rainfall, reservoir storage, crop sowing, input availability, market trends, and pest/disease situations. District Agriculture Contingency Plans have been updated for 262 vulnerable districts, and the Indian Council for Agricultural Research has issued Standard Operating Procedures for "Managing El Nino Risks in Indian Agriculture" for Krishi Vigyan Kendras. Campaigns for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna and Kisan Credit Card coverage in vulnerable states have been initiated, with departments directed to ensure maximum coverage in a time-bound manner.
Sector-Specific Preparedness Updates
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying was asked to assess availability of dry fodder, green fodder, and cattle feed at both macro and micro levels. Drinking Water and Sanitation reported stable conditions but was directed to ensure micro-level planning in vulnerable districts. Water Resources shared groundwater and reservoir status, noting stable current conditions but requiring constant monitoring. Health and Family Welfare has implemented advisories for heat waves and is monitoring both heat waves, high humidity, and dengue outbreaks with instructions to ensure effective communication of alerts to field levels.
Essential Commodities and Resource Management
Consumer Affairs reported on retail prices and adequacy of buffers for rice, wheat, and pulses, while Fertilizers reported sufficient availability and likely opening balance for Rabi season. Both departments were instructed to constantly monitor macro and micro availability of essential commodities and fertilizers. Rural Development reported that 1 crore person days have been generated since July 1st under Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission. Agricultural Research and Education shared information on climate-resilient seed varieties, while Power Department shared generation and availability status.
Directives and Coordination Measures
Principal Secretary Dr. P.K. Mishra directed continuous monitoring of the overall situation with specific focus on impact assessment in vulnerable districts in coordination with states to enable timely remedial action. Emphasis was placed on ensuring adequate fodder availability with development plans, prioritizing drinking water availability in vulnerable districts, optimal reservoir water utilization, and judicious water use. All ministries were instructed to work in close coordination with each other and state governments to effectively address emerging issues through micro/local level strategies to protect agricultural and economic activities.