Amid Possible El Nino Impact, Centre Asks to Ensure Enough Seeds for Kharif Season

The Indian Centre has urged states to prepare for the worst situation in light of the potential negative effects of evolving El Nino conditions on monsoon rains while ensuring sufficient seed availability for the kharif sowing season in the case of less rainfall. According to the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) April forecast, India is expected to receive normal rainfall during the southwest monsoon season, despite the evolving El Nino conditions.

To prepare for the upcoming kharif sowing season, a National Conference on Agriculture-Kharif Campaign-2023 was organised. During the conference, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar advised states to promote technology in the farm sector to reduce input costs and increase production and farmers’ income. He said the use of technology could help make farming profitable. If agriculture does not become profitable, Tomar said he fears the younger generation will not be interested in farming.

Tomar emphasized that a “profit guarantee” is the need of the hour in the farm sector. With agriculture being a state subject, he urged state governments to implement central programmes and funds effectively for better results. The union minister stressed the need to increase productivity and production of major crops as demand will increase with the rise in population.

He said India must not only meet the demand of the domestic market but also fulfil the expectations of foreign countries for the supply of agricultural items. Tomar also encouraged states to promote nano (liquid) fertilisers, which have already been launched in the market and used by farmers. He expressed concern that consumption of conventional urea has not been reduced despite the rising demand for nano urea and the adoption of natural and organic farming practices.

Union Agriculture Secretary Manoj Ahuja said during the event that the weather department has forecast normal monsoon, but there could be El Nino conditions during the monsoon season. Ahuja advised states to be prepared for the worst situation. He said there are chances of less rainfall and there are chances that El Nino conditions might not occur. There should be complete preparedness at the state level, he advised.

Rainfed agriculture is a critical component of India’s agricultural landscape, with 52 per cent of the net cultivated area relying on this method. It accounts for about 40 per cent of the country’s total food production, making it a crucial contributor to India’s food security and economic stability. Ahuja asked states to ensure that there is adequate seed availability for conducting sowing operations in case of less rainfall. He advised states to assess the situation and make arrangements only this month. He also stressed disseminating a single advisory to farmers for weather updates.

Ahuja talked about the importance of climate-resilient seed varieties, which have helped in the growth of agriculture production despite climate challenges. The use of such seed varieties has resulted in an increase in the production of major crops like rice, wheat, maize, and sugarcane. He urged states to adopt such climate-resilient seeds, stating that such measures will be beneficial in preparing for potential El Nino conditions.

In conclusion, India is preparing for the kharif sowing season amid concerns over the possible impacts of evolving El Nino conditions on monsoon rains. The Union Agriculture Minister urged states to promote technology in the farm sector to reduce input costs and increase production and farmers’ income.

While the India Meteorological Department has forecast normal rainfall, there could be El Nino conditions during the monsoon season. Therefore, Union Agriculture Secretary Manoj Ahuja advised states to be prepared for the worst situation, ensuring adequate seed availability for conducting sowing operations in case of less rainfall and adopting climate-resilient seed varieties.

source-The Print

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