PMO Reviews El Nino Preparedness As Monsoon Deficit Narrows; Ministries Asked To Stay On Alert

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Tuesday held a high-level review meeting to assess the progress of the ongoing kharif season and the possible impact of El Nino on agriculture and other sectors of the economy. Chaired by Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister PK Mishra at Seva Theerth, the meeting brought together senior officials from more than 15 ministries and departments to evaluate preparedness measures and strengthen coordination.

Monsoon improves, but El Nino remains under watch

According to a PMO statement, senior officials from the Ministries of Agriculture, Power, Co-operation, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Health and Family Welfare, Economic Affairs, Animal Husbandry, Rural Development, Earth Sciences, Agricultural Research and Education, Consumer Affairs, Financial Services, Fertilizers, the Central Water Commission and the India Meteorological Department (IMD), among others, attended the meeting.

Officials from the IMD presented the rainfall situation for June and up to July 7, with the Director General of Meteorology briefing the meeting on monsoon coverage and the possible impact of El Nino.

The IMD noted that the onset of the monsoon was delayed by around 10 days in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. However, rainfall received up to July 7 helped reduce the all-India rainfall deficit to minus 12 per cent, while the first week of July recorded above-normal rainfall.

Officials informed the meeting that weak to moderate El Nino conditions are expected during July and August, adding that the situation is being closely monitored as July accounts for more than 30 per cent of the season's total monsoon rainfall. It was also observed that an El Nino year does not necessarily result in below-normal rainfall.

Agriculture, water and essential supplies under close monitoring

The Agriculture Secretary outlined preparedness measures for the kharif season, including weekly Crop Weather Watch meetings with states to monitor rainfall, reservoir storage, crop sowing, input availability, market trends and emerging pest and disease situations for timely interventions.

The government has updated District Agriculture Contingency Plans for 262 vulnerable districts, while the Indian Council of Agricultural Research has issued Standard Operating Procedures for "Managing El Nino Risks in Indian Agriculture" for Krishi Vigyan Kendras.

Officials also highlighted that foodgrain production has remained stable despite deficient rainfall in previous years due to the adoption of climate-resilient crop varieties and technologies.

The meeting reviewed campaigns to expand coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Kisan Credit Card scheme in vulnerable states. The Departments of Agriculture, Financial Services and Cooperation were asked to ensure maximum coverage within a defined timeline.

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying was directed to assess the availability of dry fodder, green fodder and cattle feed at both macro and micro levels.

The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation said the current situation remained stable but was instructed to strengthen district-level planning and monitoring in vulnerable areas. The Department of Water Resources reported that groundwater and reservoir levels were stable, although constant monitoring would continue throughout the monsoon season.

The Health Ministry informed the meeting that advisories on heatwaves were already in place and that monitoring of heatwaves, high humidity and dengue outbreaks was continuing. Officials stressed the need for effective dissemination of alerts and advisories down to the field level.

The Department of Consumer Affairs reviewed retail prices and the availability of buffer stocks of rice, wheat and pulses, while the Department of Fertilizers confirmed sufficient availability of fertilisers and adequate opening stocks for the upcoming rabi season. Both departments were asked to closely monitor the availability of essential commodities and fertilisers.

The Rural Development Ministry informed the meeting that works under the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission had commenced from July 1 and had already generated one crore person-days of employment. Officials from the Department of Agricultural Research and Education highlighted the spread of climate-resilient seed varieties, while the Power Ministry reviewed electricity generation and supply.

PMO calls for coordinated response across ministries and states

During the meeting, PK Mishra directed ministries to continuously monitor the evolving situation and assess the impact of the monsoon and any delay in rainfall in vulnerable districts in coordination with state governments to enable timely remedial measures.

He also instructed officials to ensure adequate fodder availability through dedicated fodder development plans and regular coordination with states. Ensuring uninterrupted drinking water supply in vulnerable districts was identified as a key priority.

The meeting further stressed the need to closely monitor reservoir levels in vulnerable regions, ensure optimal utilisation of stored water and promote judicious use of available water resources.

Officials were also asked to strengthen coordination among ministries and with state governments to ensure that emerging challenges linked to El Nino and the monsoon are addressed promptly and effectively.

(With inputs from ANI)