NEW DELHI:
The Centre has begun preparations for a possible deficient-rainfall situation during the upcoming rabi sowing season, with Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan calling for detailed contingency planning, closer Centre-State coordination and regular monitoring of crop conditions.
At a national agriculture conference on Monday, Chouhan asked officials and agricultural scientists to prepare strategies to minimise the impact of inadequate rainfall on winter-sown crops. The government is particularly focusing on water management, fertiliser use and crop choices in areas that could face water shortages.
The Agriculture Ministry is also considering greater emphasis on pulses and oilseeds, which generally require less water than several other crops. Officials have been asked to assess local conditions and prepare crop-specific strategies rather than adopting a uniform approach across the country.
The Centre has called for weekly monitoring of crop and rainfall conditions and better coordination between the Union and State governments. Water budgeting and scientific assessment of available water resources have also been emphasised.
The preparations come against the backdrop of concerns that the output of some kharif crops may not match the previous year’s levels despite progress in acreage. The government is therefore seeking to ensure that the rabi season is protected through timely planning and intervention.
Officials and agricultural institutions have been asked to closely monitor rainfall, soil moisture, reservoir levels and sowing patterns as the rabi season approaches. The contingency measures are intended to help farmers adjust cropping patterns and reduce the possible impact of inadequate rainfall.