El Niño not a threat, but a challenge to prepare for: Chouhan at Kharif Conference
New Delhi, May 29: In a reassuring message to farmers and state governments, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that “El Niño is not something to be feared but something that we must prepare for” while inaugurating the National Agriculture Conference for the Kharif Campaign 2026 in New Delhi.
Addressing agriculture ministers, scientists, and officials from across the country, Chouhan said the Centre is closely monitoring weather developments and has already begun extensive preparations to safeguard the upcoming Kharif season from any adverse effects of a possible El Niño event.
The minister noted that while forecasts indicate the possibility of a below-normal monsoon and the development of El Niño conditions, the government is better prepared than ever before. He highlighted improved irrigation facilities, stronger reservoir storage, climate-resilient farming practices, and enhanced coordination between the Centre and states as key strengths.
Chouhan announced that district-level contingency plans are being prepared to tackle delayed monsoons or rainfall shortages. States have been advised to identify alternative crops, promote drought-tolerant varieties, and ensure timely availability of seeds and fertilizers. A national seed reserve has also been created to provide emergency support to affected regions.
Emphasizing preparedness, he said the country currently has around 192 lakh quintals of seeds against a requirement of 173 lakh quintals, while fertilizer stocks are also being maintained to meet Kharif demand.
The conference brought together state agriculture ministers, officials, scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, agricultural universities, and other stakeholders to review Kharif preparedness, climate resilience, crop diversification, and food security strategies.
Concluding his address, Chouhan stressed that the government’s objective is to ensure that farmers remain confident and that agricultural activities continue smoothly despite any weather-related challenges. “Our focus is on preparation, not panic,” he said.
