India, June 16 -- The Government of India has issued a release:
Union Minister of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, today conducted a comprehensive review of the country's preparations for Kharif 2026 at a high-level weekly agriculture review meeting at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi. Furthermore, amid potential El Niño conditions, he laid special emphasis on increasing cotton production, self-sufficiency in pulses, and advance contingency planning for rain-deficient districts, conveying a clear message that under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, protecting farmers' interests is the government's top priority.
While discussing the potential impact of El Niño in the meeting, Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan clearly directed that full preparations should be made in advance in districts where there is a possibility of low rainfall or uneven rainfall. He said that such districts should be clearly identified and crop-wise contingency plans should be prepared in collaboration with the state governments, so that farmers can be immediately provided with options, advice and assistance in case of any weather challenge. He stressed that a separate and practical strategy should be developed for each vulnerable district, paying special attention to water conservation, moisture management, intercropping and alternative crop patterns.
Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan also directed that coordinated meetings be held with district officials, the Agriculture Department, KVKs, and other extension agencies in the identified districts of the 9-10 states where El Niño's impact may be relatively severe. He said that these meetings should clarify the entire situation at the district level and launch an awareness campaign among farmers so that every farmer knows the precautions and crop options that are safest for their area. Shri Shivraj Singh said that instead of exaggerating the danger, it is the government's priority to ensure that farmers receive calm, reliable, and solution-oriented messages based on scientific analysis.
The meeting reviewed crop-wise targets, sowing progress, and state-wise preparations for Kharif 2026, with a special focus on increasing cotton production. Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized on promoting scientific methods, selection of right varieties, intercropping, mulching, and moisture conservation measures on a large scale to improve both cotton productivity and income.
The Pulses Self-Sufficiency Mission was also discussed in detail. Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh stated that the government's effort is to make the country increasingly self-sufficient in pulses like pigeon pea, black gram, and green gram, while reducing dependence on imports. To this end, special attention is being paid, in collaboration with the states, to crop rotation, area expansion, improved seed availability, and technical guidance, so that farmers can increase pulse production while securing income.
During the review, information on fertilizer availability, market prices, the status of reservoirs and water storage, and state-wise stocks was also presented. Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh stated that fertilizer availability is nationally available, and as the monsoon progresses, supplies to states and districts will be further streamlined. He directed officials to ensure advance supply wherever there is a potential shortage at the micro level, so that farmers do not face any difficulties.
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Chouhan also stressed the need for better coordination between agricultural universities, ICAR institutes, KVKs, and state agriculture departments. He said that technical knowledge is meaningful only when it reaches the fields in a timely manner and farmers can easily adopt and benefit from it. He told officials that only through continuous dialogue, regular reviews, and on-the-ground feedback can Kharif 2026 be made successful and secure.
Disclaimer: The original story of this translated version is available on Press Information Bureau.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
