The Indian government has asked states to ensure the availability of seeds for kharif sowing season in case of less rainfall due to the impact of El Nino. El Nino, which is the warming of the waters in the Pacific Ocean near South America, is generally associated with the weakening of monsoon winds and dry weather in India. The Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar advised states to promote technology in the farm sector to reduce input cost, boost production, and farmers’ income, as he stressed the need to increase productivity and production of major crops to meet the demand of the domestic and foreign markets. Rainfed agriculture accounts for about 40% of India’s total food production and is crucial for the country’s food security and economic stability.
Ahuja asked states to ensure that there is adequate availability of seeds for conducting sowing operations in case of less rainfall. He told states to assess the situation and make arrangements in this month only.
He also stressed on disseminating single advisory to farmers for weather update.
In light of concerns over the possible impact of El Nino conditions on monsoon rains, Union Agriculture Secretary Manoj Ahuja has advised states to ensure adequate availability of seeds for conducting sowing operations in case of less rainfall. He has also instructed states to assess the situation and make necessary arrangements during this month itself. Additionally, Ahuja has stressed on the need for a single advisory to be disseminated to farmers for weather updates. This is important to prepare farmers for any possible weather changes and help them plan their crop sowing accordingly.
