Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to chair meeting on El Nino today
New Delhi, June 23
Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will hold a meeting on the impact of El Nino on Tuesday at 10 am at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi.
Agriculture Ministers, Agriculture Secretaries, and concerned officials from all states will participate in the meeting through virtual mode. Collectors and agriculture officials from districts likely to be affected by El Nino will also join the meeting, along with officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The meeting will conduct a detailed review of the agricultural impact of El Nino and deliberate on measures to address conditions arising due to low rainfall.
After discussions with the states, the Agriculture Minister is expected to issue important directions for farmers.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan has been holding central-level review meetings on El Nino every Tuesday.
Earlier on June 20, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said that the Centre and state governments are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to take all necessary measures to deal with emerging challenges, including water scarcity.
He said the government remains focused on safeguarding farmers' interests, adding, "If a water crisis arises, all necessary steps to tackle it will be taken... El Nino is a global crisis, and we are keeping a close watch on the situation. The Central and Maharashtra governments are prepared to take all necessary measures. Farmers are our priority, and our government is committed to their welfare and holistic development."
Highlighting measures related to agriculture support, the Minister cited procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP), fertiliser subsidies, and increased MSP rates over the past decade.
Meanwhile, according to an ICICI Bank Research report, strengthening El Nino conditions and a delayed southwest monsoon have begun impacting India's kharif crop season, with sowing activity falling below last year's levels, particularly in pulses and oilseeds.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The ICICI report about falling sowing activity is worrying. Pulses and oilseeds are already imported heavily. We need more than just meetings—farmers need timely access to drought-resistant seeds and affordable credit. Let's hope directions are actually implemented on ground.
Respectful criticism: While virtual meetings are efficient, farmers in remote districts often lack digital access. Why not set up local monitoring committees in vulnerable districts? Better coordination at village level could actually save crops.
Our farmer uncle in Vidarbha is really worried. Monsoon delay is no joke—they've already lost summer groundnut. At least the BJP government is showing urgency. Shivraj ji knows agriculture well, unlike some past ministers. Hope they announce compensation for failed sowings.
The MSP and subsidy talk is fine, but what about water management? El Nino always hits hardest in Marathwada and Rayalaseema. We should be building more farm ponds and check dams. Meetings are good, but infrastructure is key.
As a farmer from Punjab, I'd say the central team should also discuss crop diversification. Paddy is a water-guzzler—in an El Nino year, we can't sustain it. But then, where is the assured market for millets and maize? The whole system needs rethinking. 🌾
J < We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.