Centre steps up efforts to help farmers in rain-deficient districts
New Delhi, July 21
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday directed officials to continuously monitor agricultural activities in the country's 270 sensitive rain-deficient districts in close coordination with the states and ensure timely availability of fertilisers and seed to farmers across the country, according to an official statement.
A detailed review was undertaken at a high-level meeting here to assess the progress of sowing of Kharif crops, the impact of El Nino and the current monsoon situation and the water storage in reservoirs.
The availability and distribution of fertilisers, especially urea, and the availability of seeds were also reviewed during the meeting. It was informed that adequate availability of fertilisers and seeds has been ensured for Kharif 2026 and continuous monitoring of supply is being done through regular coordination with the states.
The Union Minister directed that information on the actual situation should be obtained through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and state governments. He said that it should be ensured that farmers get fertilisers according to their requirement and if there is any shortage in the distribution system, it should be tackled quickly.
It was informed during the meeting that till July 17, 2026, the total sowing area of Kharif crops in the country has been recorded at 658.19 lakh hectares. Although there has been a decrease in the total sowing area compared to last year, positive progress has been seen in sowing under paddy, pulses and other crops in many states.
Chouhan directed that weekly review meetings should be organised by pulses, oilseeds and cotton missions with state governments and quick action should be ensured based on feedback received from the field level.
In the meeting, the forecasts of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), possible El Nino conditions and the rainfall situation in 270 sensitive districts across the country were reviewed. A detailed presentation was made on the rainfall situation in various states, progress of sowing of crops and the condition of crops based on indicators like NDVI (Normalised Difference Vegetation Index).
While reviewing the progress of monsoon, discussions were also held on favourable conditions for agricultural activities during the Kharif season.
It was informed in the meeting that the South-West Monsoon spread completely across the country by July 9, 2026, covering the remaining parts of Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab. Generally, the monsoon covers the entire country by July 8, while this year its expansion was completed only one day after the normal date. With the nationwide expansion of the monsoon, favourable conditions have been created for the sowing of Kharif crops in most of the states.
During the period from June 1 to July 15, 2026, the average rainfall in the country was recorded at 23 per cent below normal. During this period, 227 mm rainfall occurred across the country, while normal rainfall is 294.2 mm.
The highest rainfall deficiency was in the East and Northeast India, where 348 mm rainfall occurred against a normal of 540.2 mm, which means a deficiency of 36 per cent was recorded. There was a 26 per cent deficiency in Southern Peninsular India, 19 per cent in Northwest India and 13 per cent in Central India.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone from Maharashtra, our farmers are really struggling with the 23% deficit rainfall. East and Northeast India with 36% deficiency is alarming 😥. But glad to see timely fertiliser distribution being prioritised. Central India (13% deficit) is comparatively better, so let's hope the situation improves.
Sensitive districts need more than just coordination—they need quick on-ground action. El Nino impact is real and our farmers can't wait for weekly reviews. The 36% deficiency in East India is serious business. Need more transparency on how the 658 lakh hectares sowing compares to last year's actual output.
Good move by Shivraj ji. But I hope Krishi Vigyan Kendras in states like Bihar and Jharkhand get proper internet and resources to report accurate data. Paperwork won't help if the actual seed stock is stuck in godowns. At least paddy and pulses showing positive progress 🌾.
Monsoon covered entire country just one day late—that's surprising given the deficiency! But 270 districts is no joke. Hope the 13% deficit in Central India doesn't worsen. My family in MP says water levels in reservoirs are worrying. Let's see if this monitoring leads to actual results for small farmers 🚜.
Respectful criticism: While the intentions seem good, we need to ensure the fertiliser distribution reaches the last mile farmer. Many times subsidies don't trickle down. Also, with 23% below normal rainfall, maybe the government should also focus on alternative irrigation methods like drip irrigation. Just a thought.
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