India braces for El Nino-linked dry conditions, plans farmer support

India is preparing contingency plans to mitigate the impact of potential low rainfall linked to the El Nino weather system, according to agriculture officials. The Ministry of Agriculture has directed officials to identify districts likely to experience reduced or uneven rainfall and to develop crop-specific action plans.

"Full preparations should be made in advance in those districts where there is a possibility of low rainfall or uneven rainfall," Agriculture Minister Shivraj Chouhan stated in an official release. He emphasized the need for clear identification of at-risk districts and the preparation of tailored plans to provide farmers with immediate alternatives, advice, and support. For regions expected to face severe El Nino impacts, awareness campaigns are planned to inform farmers about necessary precautions and safer crop choices.

“

Full preparations should be made in advance in those districts where there is a possibility of low rainfall or uneven rainfall. Such districts should be clearly identified and crop-wise contingency plans should be prepared... so that farmers can be provided immediate alternatives, advice and support.

El Nino, a natural climate phenomenon, typically brings drier conditions to India and Southeast Asia. Forecasters predict below-average monsoon rainfall for India in 2026, with precipitation estimated at about 90% of the long-term average. The Indian Meteorological Department has warned of a 60% probability of a deficient monsoon, a prospect that has alarmed policymakers and farmers alike. The agricultural sector is vital, sustaining over 45% of India's population.

Globally, scientists anticipate El Nino, which arrived in early June, to intensify by the end of 2026, potentially reaching historic strength. This pattern is often associated with droughts, floods, and soaring temperatures. Experts fear it will exacerbate global warming and amplify weather extremes, contributing to drought in regions like the Amazon and Indonesia, disrupted monsoons in India, and altered rainfall patterns across the tropics.

“

so that every farmer knows what precautions and which crop options are safer for his area