Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reviewed Kharif 2026 preparedness, directing states to strengthen El Niño contingency plans, boost cotton output, and accelerate pulses self-reliance.
Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday chaired a high-level review meeting at Krishi Bhavan to assess the country's preparedness for the Kharif 2026 season, with a strong focus on tackling potential El Niño-related challenges, increasing cotton production, and achieving self-reliance in pulses.
The meeting reviewed district-wise contingency plans, fertiliser availability, sowing targets, reservoir status, and state-level preparedness. Chouhan emphasized that protecting farmers' interests remains the government's highest priority under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Addressing concerns over the possible impact of El Niño, the Union Minister directed officials to identify districts vulnerable to low or uneven rainfall and prepare crop-specific contingency plans in coordination with state governments. He stressed the need for proactive planning so that farmers receive timely advisories, alternative crop options, and necessary support during adverse weather conditions.
Chouhan announced that weekly review meetings would be held to closely monitor the evolving situation and ensure effective implementation of preparedness measures. He also called for special attention to water conservation, moisture management, inter-cropping practices, and alternative cropping patterns in risk-prone regions.
The minister further instructed officials to organize coordinated meetings in the 9 to 10 states expected to face a greater impact from El Niño. These meetings will involve District Magistrates, Agriculture Departments, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and agricultural extension agencies. The objective is to enhance local preparedness and create awareness among farmers regarding suitable crop choices and risk mitigation strategies.
Chouhan emphasized the importance of communicating scientific and practical information to farmers instead of creating unnecessary alarm. He said farmers should receive clear, reliable, and solution-oriented guidance to help them make informed decisions during the Kharif season.
A significant portion of the review focused on increasing cotton production. The minister directed officials to launch a mission-mode campaign to improve cotton productivity through scientific cultivation methods, adoption of suitable varieties, inter-cropping techniques, mulching, and moisture conservation practices. He said boosting cotton yields would directly enhance farmers' incomes and strengthen the agricultural economy.
The meeting also reviewed progress under the government's Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission, aimed at increasing domestic production of pigeon pea, black gram, and moong. Chouhan highlighted the need to expand cultivation areas, improve seed availability, and provide technical support to farmers to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen national food security.
During the review, officials informed the minister about fertiliser stocks, market prices, water storage levels, and reservoir conditions across states. Chouhan stated that fertiliser availability remains adequate at the national level and directed authorities to ensure seamless supply to states and districts as monsoon activity intensifies. He instructed officials to address potential shortages proactively so that farmers face no disruptions during the cultivation season.
The minister also stressed stronger coordination among agricultural universities, institutions under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), KVKs, and state agriculture departments. He noted that scientific knowledge must reach farmers on time and be translated into practical solutions in the field.
Reaffirming the government's commitment to farmer welfare, Chouhan said continuous monitoring, regular reviews, and effective ground-level coordination would be critical to ensuring a successful and resilient Kharif 2026 season.
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