Indian Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday directed coordinated meetings with district officials, Agriculture Departments, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and other extension agencies in 9-10 states where the impact of El Niño is likely to be "relatively severe" during the Kharif 2026 season, according to a ministry statement reported by PTI. The directive comes as the government intensifies preparations to mitigate weather risks to key summer-sown crops.
El Niño Threatens Kharif Output
El Niño conditions are expected to bring below-normal rainfall to several Indian states, potentially disrupting sowing and crop development. Chouhan, chairing the weekly review meeting on Kharif 2026 preparations, stressed the need for advance contingency planning in rain-deficient districts. The ministry statement said the minister directed state governments to "clearly identify vulnerable districts and prepare crop-wise contingency plans in advance" so that farmers can be promptly provided with options, advice, and assistance.
"A separate and practical strategy should be developed for each vulnerable district, with special attention to water conservation, moisture management, intercropping, and alternative crop patterns," — Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Agriculture Minister.
Chouhan underscored that the government's priority is to ensure farmers receive "calm, reliable and solution-oriented messages based on scientific analysis" rather than alarmist communication, according to the statement.
Government Response and Contingency Plans
The review meeting covered crop-wise targets, sowing progress, and state-wise Kharif 2026 preparations. Chouhan called for wider adoption of scientific methods, including right variety selection, intercropping, mulching, and moisture conservation to improve both productivity and farm incomes. The ministry outlined that a separate strategy for each vulnerable district will focus on water conservation, moisture management, intercropping, and alternative crop patterns.
Focus on Cotton and Pulses
A particular emphasis was placed on boosting cotton output. Chouhan pushed for increased acreage under cotton and pulses. The Pulses Self-Sufficiency Mission figured prominently in the discussions. Chouhan said the government is working closely with states to expand cultivation of pigeon pea (arhar), black gram (urad), and green gram (moong) through crop rotation, area expansion, improved seed availability, and technical guidance, with the aim of reducing import dependence. Domestic pulse production shortfalls have historically led to higher imports from Myanmar, Canada, and Africa.
| Crop | Government Priority | Action Area |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Increase acreage | Wider variety adoption, intercropping |
| Pigeon pea | Expand cultivation | Area expansion, seed availability |
| Black gram | Expand cultivation | Technical guidance, crop rotation |
| Green gram | Expand cultivation | Improved seed availability |
Input Availability and Monitoring
The review also covered fertilizer availability, market prices, reservoir levels, and water storage status across states. Chouhan assured that fertilizer supply is adequate at the national level and will be further streamlined to states and districts as the monsoon progresses. He directed officials to ensure advance supply in areas facing potential micro-level shortages. Chouhan stressed the need for tighter coordination among agricultural universities, ICAR institutes, KVKs, and state agriculture departments, noting that technical knowledge is "meaningful only when it reaches the fields in a timely manner."
Implications for Commodity Markets
For commodity traders and agribusiness executives, the El Niño alert signals elevated risk to Indian cotton and pulse supplies in the coming months. India is a major producer and exporter of cotton, while being the world's largest importer of pulses. Any output shortfall due to weather could tighten global availability and support prices. The government's push for pulse self-sufficiency may reduce long-term import volumes, but in the near term, traders should monitor monsoon progress and reservoir levels across vulnerable states. Chouhan called for "continuous dialogue, regular reviews, and on-ground feedback" to ensure a successful Kharif 2026, as per the ministry statement published on June 16, 2026.
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