Government Monitors 262 Districts for Rainfall Deficiency and El Nino Impacts

New Delhi: The government has identified 15 additional districts facing rainfall deficiency as it stepped up monitoring of the ongoing kharif season amid forecasts of persistent El Nino conditions, agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Tuesday.

At a review meeting on kharif sowing, monsoon progress, drought management, fertiliser availability and foodgrain stocks, officials informed the minister that sowing remains slower than usual due to uneven rainfall.

However, rains forecast over Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan during the next three days are expected to accelerate planting.

The ministry is now monitoring 262 vulnerable districts and has expanded the list by adding 15 more districts where rainfall deficits continue.

Chouhan said contingency plans are being implemented and the situation is being monitored continuously to minimise the impact of El Nino.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA) have prepared district-level contingency measures, while Krishi Vigyan Kendras have been asked to remain ready to implement emergency interventions.

Officials told the meeting that seed availability for the kharif season remains adequate. Water levels in the country's 166 major reservoirs are lower than a year ago, although groundwater levels remain stable in most regions.