**Executive Summary**
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan conducted a high-level review on April 18, 2026, to ensure preparedness for the upcoming Kharif season. The meeting addressed a forecast of a below-normal Southwest Monsoon (92% of the long-period average) and potential El Niño impacts. Key action items include the activation of district-level contingency plans and a final weather assessment scheduled for the last week of May 2026.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Meteorological Forecasts and Water Availability**
* The Southwest Monsoon in 2026 is estimated to be approximately 92% of the Long Period Average (LPA).
* Current reservoir storage is at 127.01% of the normal level, which is expected to mitigate risks of moisture deficiency.
* While El Niño conditions may develop, officials noted that improved infrastructure and water management make the sector more resilient than in previous cycles (2000–2016).
**Input Management and Seed Security**
* Seed availability for both Kharif and Rabi seasons currently exceeds national requirements.
* The National Seed Reserve has been prepared to provide alternative seeds and suitable varieties immediately if adverse weather impacts specific areas.
* The government is ensuring the timely supply of fertilizers and other essential agricultural inputs.
**Strategic Crisis Management**
* Officials are directed to activate agricultural contingency plans down to the district level across all states.
* Emphasis is placed on promoting drought-tolerant crop varieties and delayed sowing strategies.
* The government is implementing area-specific and crop-specific strategies to provide tailored advice to farmers.
**Monitoring and Coordination**
* A continuous monitoring mechanism is active to review crop weather and institutional arrangements for crisis management.
* Increased synergy between central and state governments is being maintained to ensure farming continuity.
**Impact Analysis**
**Farmers**
**Impact**
Farmers are protected from potential climate disruptions through stabilized irrigation and the availability of climate-resilient seeds. The government's preparedness aims to maintain farmer confidence and ensure the Kharif season progresses smoothly despite rainfall concerns.
**Action Required**
Farmers should follow scientific advisories, consider crop diversification, and adopt drought-tolerant varieties or alternative cropping patterns as suggested by local authorities.
**Agriculture Secretary and Senior Officials**
**Impact**
These officials are responsible for the logistical execution of the Minister’s directives to safeguard agricultural interests.
**Action Required**
Ensure all necessary arrangements for inputs are made well in advance and maintain a rigorous monitoring mechanism for weather and crop conditions.
**State Governments**
**Impact**
States must act as the primary executors of contingency plans at the ground level.
**Action Required**
Activate district-level contingency plans, coordinate closely with the central government on weather surveillance, and ensure the local distribution of seeds and resources.
Key Entities Referenced
Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan: Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare who conducted the high-level review of Kharif preparedness and the agriculture sector.
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare: The primary central ministry responsible for coordinating agriculture sector preparations and farmer welfare strategies.
India Meteorological Department (IMD): The agency that provided the 2026 Southwest Monsoon forecast and indicated potential El Niño conditions.
National Seed Reserve: A contingency mechanism ensured by the government to provide alternative seeds and suitable varieties during adverse weather impacts.
District agriculture contingency plans: Localized action frameworks directed to be activated across states to manage adverse weather conditions at the ground level.
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Centre fully vigilant in farmers’ interests: Union
Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan
reviews Kharif preparedness
In review meeting, Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh
states: “Farmers’ welfare is paramount for us, Government
prepared for potential El Nino impact”
Amid monsoon forecast, Agriculture Ministry’s preparedness:
Shri Shivraj Singh issues directions on water, seeds, and
other matters
Strategy to limit impact on Kharif under leadership of Union
Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh through better water
storage and timely preparations
Posted On: 18 APR 2026 5:37PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh
Chouhan today conducted a high-level review of the current status of the agriculture sector and
preparations for the upcoming Kharif season, directing the Agriculture Secretary and concerned senior
officials to ensure all necessary arrangements are made well in advance to safeguard farmers’ interests.
The meeting extensively discussed weather forecasts, water availability, crop conditions, arrangements for
seeds and other agricultural inputs, states’ preparations, and action plans to cope with potential adverse
weather conditions. During the review meeting, Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh
emphasised that farmers’ welfare is of utmost priority for us, and the government is fully prepared to
address the potential El Niño impact.The meeting was informed that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated the likelihood
of below-normal Southwest Monsoon in 2026, with seasonal rainfall estimated at about 92 per cent of the
long period average (LPA) across the country. It was also indicated that El Niño conditions may develop
during the monsoon season, although the final and updated assessment will be issued in the last week of
May 2026. During the review, Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan clarified that
taking weather-related forecasts seriously, the Central Government is moving forward with complete
preparedness, and farmers need not have any concerns. He stated that through coordinated efforts of the
central and state governments, better water management, advanced technologies, expansion of irrigation
facilities, and climate-resilient agricultural measures, the impact of potential challenges can be
significantly controlled.The meeting highlighted the important fact that at present, the water levels in the country's reservoirs are
in a satisfactory position, and overall storage is better than normal. According to available estimates,
reservoir storage is at 127.01 per cent of the normal level for this period, which will provide crucial
assistance in meeting irrigation needs during the Kharif season and substantially reduce the risk of
moisture deficiency. On this basis, the meeting assessed that despite the potential El Niño impact, its effect
on the agriculture sector is likely to remain relatively limited compared to previous instances. Particularly
due to improved water availability, micro-irrigation, scientific advisories, crop diversification, and timely
interventions, farming has become more efficient and adaptable than before.
During the review, it was also mentioned that between 2000 and 2016, the impact of El Niño on
agricultural production was relatively more pronounced, as rainfall dependency was higher at that time,
and arrangements to deal with climate risks were limited compared to the present. In recent years,
technological advancements, better agricultural management, water conservation, expansion of irrigation
networks, and use of improved seeds have brought greater stability to crop productivity. The meeting also
underscored that some crops, especially paddy, exhibit relatively higher stability, while suitable
management measures are already being prepared for other crops as well. Union Minister Shri Chouhan
stated that the government's focus is on providing timely advice, seeds, resources, and alternatives to
farmers through area-specific and crop-specific strategies.
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh directed officials to ensure that all states maintain full
preparedness to handle any adverse weather conditions and activate contingency plans right down to the
district level. He said that along with ensuring availability of seeds, fertilisers, and other essential
agricultural inputs, alternative crop options, delayed sowing strategies, and promotion of drought-tolerant
varieties should be emphasised, so that farmers receive practical and prompt solutions. The meeting was
informed that seed availability for both Kharif and Rabi seasons exceeds requirements, and arrangements
for the National Seed Reserve have also been made for contingency situations. These preparations are
aimed at ensuring that if adverse weather impacts any area, alternative seeds and suitable varieties can be
immediately provided there.
Shri Chouhan clarified that a monitoring mechanism is active to protect farmers from any difficulties, and
the situation is being regularly reviewed. Through continuous coordination with states, crop weather
monitoring, updating of district agriculture contingency plans, and institutional arrangements for crisis
management, timely decisions are being ensured. Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the Central
Government’s objective is not only to assess potential risks but also to take all such steps in advance so
that farmers’ confidence remains intact, farming continuity is not affected, and the Kharif season
progresses smoothly. He expressed confidence that through better water management, technological
developments, advanced farming practices, and timely preparations, the impact of potential challenges can
be minimised, and farmers’ interests will be fully protected.
Historical contrasts underscore progress: pre-2016 El Niño episodes hit harder amid limited infrastructure;
today’s ecosystem — bolstered by expanded irrigation, climate-smart seeds, and vigilant monitoring —
promises contained disruptions. Continuous state-central synergy, bolstered by crop-weather surveillance
and institutional crisis protocols, guarantees farmer confidence and uninterrupted Kharif momentum.
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