The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has reviewed El Niño preparedness and directed ministries to work closely with states to minimise the impact of delayed monsoon on agriculture and the economy. The review focused on drinking water, kharif crops, fodder availability, reservoir management, fertilisers and essential commodities.
Key Highlights
- PMO reviews El Niño preparedness and monsoon progress across vulnerable districts.
- Ministries directed to ensure drinking water, fodder and reservoir management.
- IMD forecasts weak to moderate El Niño during July and August with continuous monitoring.
- Crop insurance, fertilisers and essential commodities to be closely monitored.
New Delhi, July 08: The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on Tuesday conducted a high-level review meeting to assess India’s preparedness for the possible impact of El Niño on the ongoing kharif season and other sectors of the economy. Dr P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, directed all concerned ministries to maintain close coordination with state governments and continuously monitor weather conditions so that timely remedial measures can be implemented in vulnerable districts.
Emphasising the need for proactive planning, Dr Mishra instructed ministries to ensure adequate drinking water supply, improve fodder availability, and prepare comprehensive fodder development plans. He also stressed the importance of optimal reservoir water utilisation and promoting the judicious use of available water resources, particularly in districts that may experience delayed or deficient rainfall.
Officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) informed the meeting that although the monsoon onset was delayed by around 10 days in parts of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra, rainfall during the first week of July had improved the overall situation. The all-India rainfall deficit narrowed to 12 per cent, while the IMD indicated that weak to moderate El Niño conditions are likely during July and August, adding that an El Niño year does not necessarily result in below-normal seasonal rainfall.
The Agriculture Ministry outlined measures to safeguard the kharif season, including expanding coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and Kisan Credit Card (KCC) schemes in vulnerable states. The government also asked the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying to regularly assess the availability of dry fodder, green fodder and cattle feed to protect livestock during adverse weather conditions.
The review further covered public health, food security and essential supplies. The Health Ministry has issued advisories on heatwaves, high humidity and dengue outbreaks, while the Department of Consumer Affairs confirmed adequate buffer stocks of rice, wheat and pulses. The Department of Fertilisers also reported sufficient fertiliser availability for the upcoming Rabi season, with ministries instructed to closely monitor supplies at both national and local levels.
Conclusion
The PMO’s comprehensive review highlights the government’s proactive approach to managing El Niño-related risks, ensuring preparedness across agriculture, water resources, public health and essential supplies to minimise any adverse impact on citizens and the economy.
