PM’s Principal Secretary reviews kharif preparedness amid El Niño concerns
New Delhi, July 7 (TNT) : Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary P.K. Mishra on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting to review the progress of the kharif season and preparedness measures to address the possible impact of El Niño on agriculture and other sectors of the economy.
The meeting, held at Seva Theerth, was attended by secretaries and senior officials from more than 15 ministries and departments, including Agriculture, Power, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Health, Economic Affairs, Animal Husbandry, Rural Development, Earth Sciences, Consumer Affairs, Fertilisers, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Central Water Commission.
The IMD informed the meeting that while the onset of the southwest monsoon was delayed by about 10 days in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra, rainfall received up to July 7 had reduced the all-India rainfall deficit to 12 per cent below normal.
According to the IMD, rainfall during the first week of July was above normal, while weak to moderate El Niño conditions are expected during July and August.
Officials also noted that an El Niño year does not necessarily result in below-normal seasonal rainfall.
The Agriculture Ministry said it has been conducting weekly Crop Weather Watch meetings with states to monitor rainfall, reservoir levels, crop sowing, availability of agricultural inputs, market trends and pest and disease outbreaks to facilitate timely interventions.
It informed the meeting that district-level agricultural contingency plans have been updated for 262 vulnerable districts and that the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has issued standard operating procedures on managing El Niño-related risks in agriculture for Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
The ministry also highlighted that foodgrain production has remained stable in recent years despite rainfall deficiencies due to the adoption of climate-resilient crop varieties and technologies.
Officials said campaigns to increase coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and the Kisan Credit Card scheme have been launched in vulnerable states.
The Departments of Agriculture, Financial Services and Cooperation were asked to maximise enrolment within stipulated timelines.
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying was directed to assess the availability of dry fodder, green fodder and cattle feed at both the national and local levels.
The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation informed the meeting that drinking water availability remained stable but was asked to strengthen district-level monitoring and planning in vulnerable areas.
The Department of Water Resources reviewed groundwater and reservoir storage, with officials stating that while the current situation was satisfactory, continuous monitoring would be required through the monsoon season.
The Health Ministry said advisories on heatwaves had been issued and surveillance of heat-related illnesses, humidity-related health risks and dengue outbreaks was continuing.
It was asked to ensure effective dissemination of advisories down to the field level.
The Department of Consumer Affairs said buffer stocks of rice, wheat and pulses were adequate, while the Department of Fertilisers reported sufficient fertiliser availability for the current season and adequate opening stocks for the forthcoming rabi season.
Both departments were advised to closely monitor supplies at the national and local levels.
The Rural Development Ministry said nearly one crore person-days of employment had been generated since July 1 under the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission.
The Department of Agricultural Research and Education briefed the meeting on the spread of climate-resilient seed varieties, while the Power Ministry reviewed the status of electricity generation and availability.
Mishra directed all ministries to continuously monitor the monsoon situation and assess its impact on vulnerable districts in coordination with state governments so that timely remedial measures could be taken wherever required.
He also emphasised the need to ensure adequate fodder availability through appropriate development plans, prioritise drinking water supply in vulnerable districts, monitor reservoir levels regularly and promote judicious use of available water resources.
The Principal Secretary stressed that central ministries and state governments should work in close coordination to effectively address any challenges arising during the monsoon season.
TNT TS
