Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan conducted a high-level weekly agriculture review meeting at Krishi Bhavan in New Delhi on June 16, 2026, focusing on detailed preparations for the Kharif 2026 season. The meeting specifically addressed potential El Niño conditions, with the Minister emphasizing that protecting farmers' interests is the government's top priority under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guidance.
In response to possible El Niño impacts, Minister Chouhan directed advanced preparations for districts likely to experience low or uneven rainfall. He mandated the 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 farming continuity during weather challenges.
The Minister directed coordinated meetings in 9-10 states expected to be more significantly affected by El Niño, involving District Magistrates, Agriculture Departments, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and extension systems. These meetings will focus on district-level situational awareness and farmer education campaigns to communicate scientifically analyzed, solution-oriented messages about safer crop options and precautions.
Regarding specific crops, the review included special focus on increasing cotton production through mission-mode efforts. Minister Chouhan emphasized promoting scientific methods, appropriate variety selection, inter-cropping, mulching, and moisture conservation measures to significantly improve both productivity and farmer income from cotton. Detailed deliberations were also held on the Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission, targeting reduced import dependence through increased domestic production of pigeon pea, black gram, and moong. The mission involves coordinated efforts with states on crop cycles, area expansion, better seed availability, and technical guidance to help farmers increase pulses production with secured income.
The meeting also reviewed fertiliser availability, mandi market prices, reservoir status, water storage levels, and state-wise stocks. The Minister confirmed that fertiliser is available at the national level and directed officials to ensure efficient supply to states and districts as monsoon progress increases, with particular attention to preventing micro-level shortages throughout the farming season.
Minister Chouhan emphasized improved coordination between agricultural universities, Indian Council of Agricultural Research institutions, KVKs, and state agriculture departments to ensure technical knowledge reaches farmers timely and effectively. He stressed that continuous dialogue, regular review, and ground-level feedback are essential for making the Kharif 2026 season secure and successful for farmers across the country.