Government Monsoon Preparedness and Kharif Sowing Update
The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has intensified preparedness measures amid uncertainty in the southwest monsoon due to potential El Niño impact. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the government has activated a comprehensive system with proactive measures to mitigate potential challenges.
Monsoon Recovery and Current Status
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reported significant improvement in monsoon conditions, with the overall rainfall deficit narrowing to 24% in July from 33% in June. This improvement has resulted in the number of rainfall-deficient districts declining from 262 to 178 across the country. The government is maintaining close monitoring of the situation in 13 states including Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Bihar, Jharkhand, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, West Bengal, and Odisha.
Kharif Sowing Progress and Challenges
Kharif sowing has been completed over 350.85 lakh hectares, which is approximately 91.95 lakh hectares lower than the corresponding period last year. The delayed onset of monsoon has particularly affected soybean and cotton sowing. Farmers have been advised to cultivate short-duration and low water-intensive crops such as maize, Bajra, and Moong to minimize the impact of delayed rainfall.
Government Preparedness Measures
The government initiated preparations for monsoon challenges as early as April, developing contingency plans in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research for districts likely to be affected. These plans were shared with state governments well in advance. As part of the 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' conducted in June, more than 1.24 lakh programs were organized across the country, directly reaching over 80 lakh farmers.
To ensure uninterrupted sowing operations, the government maintains a national seed reserve of approximately 1.75 lakh quintals. The Kisan Credit Card campaign has been intensified, with more than 94,000 applications approved out of 1.14 lakh applications received by June 30. Efforts are also being intensified to increase farmers' participation under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to ensure financial protection against crop losses due to adverse weather conditions.
Monitoring and Response Mechanism
An extensive monitoring mechanism has been established including the El Niño Monitoring Cell, Crop Weather Watch Group, State-level Control Rooms, and designated officers who are continuously monitoring monsoon progress, crop sowing, crop conditions, and market trends. The government expressed confidence that rainfall would gain further momentum during July, leading to acceleration in Kharif sowing operations.