The Centre has stepped up preparations for the Kharif 2026 season, with a special focus on tackling potential El Niño-related challenges. Union Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, reviewed the country’s readiness during a high-level weekly agriculture review meeting held at Krishi Bhavan in New Delhi.
The minister stressed that safeguarding farmers’ interests remains the government’s top priority under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He directed officials to ensure that all necessary measures are put in place well in advance to minimise the impact of any adverse weather conditions during the upcoming cropping season.
Discussing the possibility of El Niño conditions, Chouhan instructed officials to identify districts that may face low or uneven rainfall and prepare crop-specific contingency plans in coordination with state governments. He said farmers in vulnerable regions should have access to timely alternatives, technical advice and support mechanisms to help them cope with weather-related disruptions.
The minister also called for special attention to water conservation, moisture management, intercropping and alternative crop patterns. He emphasised that every risk-prone district should have a customised and practical strategy to ensure uninterrupted farming activities during the Kharif season.
Chouhan further directed authorities to hold coordinated meetings in the 9–10 states that could be more significantly affected by El Niño. These meetings will involve district administrations, agriculture departments, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and other extension agencies. The aim is to raise awareness among farmers about precautionary measures and suitable crop options for their regions.
He said the government’s priority is to provide farmers with calm, science-based and solution-oriented guidance rather than creating unnecessary alarm. Such an approach, he noted, would strengthen farmers’ confidence and improve preparedness for the season ahead.
During the review, officials also assessed crop-wise targets, sowing progress and state-level preparations for Kharif 2026. Increasing cotton production emerged as a key focus area. Chouhan advocated the adoption of scientific farming practices, improved seed varieties, intercropping, mulching and moisture conservation techniques to enhance both productivity and farmer incomes.
The meeting also featured detailed discussions on the Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission. The minister said the government is working to reduce import dependence by increasing domestic production of pulses such as pigeon pea, black gram and moong. Efforts are being made in partnership with states to expand cultivation areas, improve seed availability, optimise crop cycles and strengthen technical support for farmers.
Officials also presented updates on fertiliser availability, mandi prices, reservoir levels, water storage and state-wise stock positions. Chouhan stated that fertiliser supplies are adequate at the national level and assured that distribution networks would be further strengthened as the monsoon progresses. He directed officials to proactively address any potential shortages at the local level to prevent disruptions for farmers.
Calling for continuous dialogue, regular monitoring and ground-level feedback, Chouhan said a coordinated approach would be crucial to ensuring a secure and successful Kharif 2026 season and delivering better outcomes for farmers across the country.