By The Straits Times | Created at 2026-06-24 02:28:30 | Updated at 2026-06-24 05:04:40
2 hours ago
India is urging farmers in rain-fed areas with limited irrigation to shift to less water-intensive crops such as pulses, oilseeds and millets as authorities prepare for a potentially weak monsoon that could weigh on agricultural output.
The push by the farm ministry is part of a broader effort to prepare for the 2026 monsoon planting season after rainfall since June 1 has run 42 per cent below normal, prompting New Delhi to step up coordination with states to safeguard farm output and rural incomes.
Authorities have identified 315 districts vulnerable to below-normal rainfall, including 111 high-priority areas with limited irrigation coverage, the farm ministry said on June 23 after Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan held a virtual review with state officials.
District-level contingency plans will guide crop choices, water management and emergency responses if rainfall remains deficient, it said.
The government is stepping up water-conservation efforts, including repairs to ponds, reservoirs, check dams and farm storage structures, while monitoring reservoir levels across river basins, the ministry said. States have also been asked to prepare contingency plans for drinking water and irrigation supplies, it said.
New Delhi is also expanding access to crop insurance, farm credit and income-support programmes. Rice and wheat stockpiles remain ample, the ministry said, limiting any immediate threat to food security despite concerns over a weak monsoon. BLOOMBERG
