Likelihood of Severe El Niño Impact on 9-10 States

16-Jun-2026 06:58 PM

New Delhi. The Union Agriculture Minister has directed that special and comprehensive arrangements be made for the 9-10 states expected to face the most severe impact of El Niño during the current Kharif season. The Minister has instructed district-level officials, agriculture departments, *Krishi Vigyan Kendras* (Farm Science Centres), and other extension agencies to hold regular meetings and work in close coordination.

Emphasizing the need for advance contingency planning in districts facing rainfall deficits, the Agriculture Minister stated that special attention should be paid to increasing the sowing area for cotton and pulses.

States have also been asked to identify districts vulnerable to rainfall fluctuations so that crop-specific emergency plans can be prepared in advance. Farmers should have the option to quickly switch to a suitable alternative crop if the performance of the primary crop suffers due to natural calamities.

The Agriculture Minister affirmed that the government is ready to provide all possible support and encouragement to the states. The monsoon outlook does not appear promising this year; a lack of rainfall is being observed in various parts of the country.

This could impact the sowing and progress of Kharif crops. Rainfall may be deficient in key pulse and oilseed-producing states, and paddy cultivation is also likely to be affected.

All states should formulate their own specific plans; special attention is being focused on major pulse and oilseed-producing states such as Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh. Paddy is cultivated extensively in Eastern India, the Southern Peninsula, and Northwest India.