New Delhi, July 21: The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, directed officials on Tuesday to collaborate with states to monitor agricultural activities in 270 sensitive and drought-prone districts across the country. The aim is to ensure timely availability of fertilizers and seeds for farmers nationwide.
During a high-level meeting, the progress of Kharif crop sowing, the impact of El Niño, the current monsoon situation, and water reserves in reservoirs were thoroughly reviewed. The meeting also assessed the availability and distribution of fertilizers, particularly urea, confirming that sufficient supplies have been secured for Kharif 2026. Continuous coordination with states is being maintained to monitor the supply.
Chouhan instructed that ground realities be gathered from Agricultural Science Centers (KVKs) and state governments. He emphasized ensuring that farmers receive fertilizers according to their needs and that any shortcomings in the distribution system be addressed immediately.
As of July 17, 2026, a total area of 6.5819 million hectares has been recorded for Kharif crop sowing across the country. Although there has been a decrease in total sowing area compared to last year, several states have shown good progress in the sowing of rice, pulses, and other crops.
Chouhan called for weekly review meetings with state governments regarding pulses, oilseeds, and cotton missions, ensuring immediate action based on feedback received from the ground level.
The meeting reviewed forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), potential El Niño conditions, and rainfall situations in the 270 sensitive districts. A detailed presentation was provided on rainfall conditions, progress in crop sowing, and indicators like the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI).
While reviewing the progress of the monsoon, discussions were held on favorable conditions for agricultural activities during the Kharif season. It was noted that the southwest monsoon had covered the remaining parts of Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab by July 9, 2026. Typically, the monsoon covers the entire country by July 8, but this year it completed its expansion one day later. With the nationwide spread of the monsoon, favorable conditions for Kharif crop sowing have emerged in most states.
From June 1 to July 15, 2026, the country recorded an average rainfall that was 23 percent below normal, totaling 227 mm compared to the normal of 294.2 mm. The most significant shortfall was observed in Eastern and Northeastern India, where rainfall was 348 mm against a normal of 540.2 mm, marking a 36 percent decrease. Shortfalls of 26 percent in Southern Peninsular India, 19 percent in Northwestern India, and 13 percent in Central India were also reported.
–
S.C.H.
Leave a Comment