The Centre on Wednesday asked states to be prepared for the worst situation and ensure adequate availability of seeds for the Kharif sowing season in case of less rainfall, amid concerns over the possible impact of evolving El Nino conditions on monsoon rains.

In April, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecast that India is expected to get normal rainfall during the southwest monsoon season despite the evolving El Nino conditions.

A National Conference on Agriculture-Kharif Campaign-2023 was held here to plan the strategy for the upcoming Kharif sowing season.

While inaugurating the Kharif campaign, Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Agriculture Minister requested states to promote technology in the farm sector to cut input costs and boost production, and farmers’ income.

He stated that the use of technology can help in making farming profitable by reducing input costs and increasing production, asserting that profit guarantee is the need of the hour in the farm sector.

Mr. Tomar feared that the young generation will not do farming activities in the coming years if agriculture does not become profitable.

The Union minister said, “With agriculture being a state subject, it is important that state governments implement the central programmes and funds effectively for better results”.

Mr. Tomar also stressed the need to increase productivity and production of major crops as demand will increase with the rise in population.

He went on to say, “We not only need to meet the demand of the domestic market, but we have to fulfill the expectations of foreign countries for supply of agriculture items”.

The Union minister urged states to promote nano (liquid) fertilizers, which have already been launched in the market and are being used by farmers.

The minister expressed worry that conventional urea usage has not been reduced despite the rising demand for nano urea and the implementation of natural and organic farming practices.

Speaking at the occasion, Union Agriculture Secretary Manoj Ahuja stated that the weather department has made a forecast of typical monsoon and there could be El Nino conditions during the monsoon season.

Manoj Ahuja said, “We should be prepared for the worst situation. There are chances of less rain and there are chances that El Nino conditions might not occur. There should be complete preparedness at the state level”.

El Nino, or warming of the Pacific Ocean near South America, is commonly connected with weakened monsoon winds and dry weather in India.

Rainfed agriculture is an important part of India’s agricultural environment, accounting for 52 percent of the net cultivated area. It accounts for over 40 percent of the total food production in India, making it an important contributor to food security and economic stability.

In case of rainfall, Ahuja has requested states to ensure that there is adequate availability of seeds for conducting sowing operations. He instructed states to analyze the situation and make arrangements this month only.

He also emphasized the importance of issuing a single weather advisory to farmers.

The Union agriculture secretary also discussed the importance of climate-resilient seed varieties, which have aided in agriculture production development despite climate challenges.

(With input from PTI)

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