Monsoon watch: Centre activates drought contingency plans as IMD flags El Nino risk

The Centre on Tuesday directed states and central agencies to immediately activate district-level contingency plans after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast a below-normal southwest monsoon and indicated the possible development of El Nino conditions later in the season, PTI reported.Chairing a high-level review meeting at Krishi Bhawan, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said preparations should focus on timely advisories to farmers, availability of certified drought-tolerant and short-duration seeds, moisture conservation measures and efficient use of reservoir water.He stressed that contingency plans should be implemented on the ground and not remain "mere paperwork".According to an official statement, Chouhan asked states to prepare clear strategies for re-sowing, life-saving irrigation and alternative crops in case rainfall deficits persist for two to four weeks.The minister said the government would strengthen digital and call-centre-based advisories, closely monitor weather-linked pest and disease outbreaks and continuously assess preparedness levels across states, with central support extended wherever needed.The move comes as kharif sowing begins in parts of the country following pre-monsoon showers. The IMD has forecast the southwest monsoon at around 90 per cent of the long-period average and indicated that El Nino conditions may develop later in the season. The weather office expects the monsoon to arrive on June 4.Officials informed the meeting that national seed stocks are adequate for both kharif and rabi seasons and that a national seed reserve has been created to meet emergency requirements.Chouhan emphasised the need to ensure the availability of certified, high-quality seeds and said short-duration crop varieties should be ready for farmers in case re-sowing becomes necessary.He also called on rural development agencies to intensify efforts to conserve soil moisture through farm ponds and local water-retention structures.Where reservoir water is available, its use should be "scientific, balanced and priority-based" to safeguard the maximum number of crops and farmers, he said.The minister instructed authorities to prepare district-specific advisories on delayed sowing, alternative cropping patterns and drought-tolerant crop options. He also sought advance monitoring systems and treatment protocols for pests and diseases that may emerge due to weather fluctuations.At the same time, Chouhan urged farmers not to panic, saying weather forecasts were being taken seriously and preparations were underway to address potential challenges.He said the impact of any adverse conditions could be substantially reduced through coordinated action by the Centre and states, improved water management, technology adoption, expanded irrigation and climate-resilient farming practices.Expressing confidence in the preparedness measures, Chouhan said timely seed availability, alternative crop strategies and stronger coordination would help minimise risks and protect farmers' interests.Agriculture Secretary Atish Chandra, ICAR Director General M L Jat and senior officials from the IMD and ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture attended the meeting.The government said state preparedness would remain under continuous review and central assistance would be provided wherever gaps are identified