El Nino effect: Centre says 111 districts with ‘poor irrigation facilities’ are a concern
The Indian government has identified 111 districts as high-priority areas due to poor irrigation and the impact of El Nino on monsoon rainfall. Officials are developing contingency plans to mitigate risks to Kharif crops and farmer livelihoods.
Why it matters
Climate-driven agricultural instability poses a significant threat to food security and economic stability in regions heavily dependent on seasonal rainfall.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has held a high-level meeting with State Agriculture Ministers and officials on El Nino situation, that has so far resulted in a delay of monsoon. Talking to reporters after the meeting, Mr. Chouhan said the rainfall so far has been around 43% below normal. The Centre has assessed that 315 districts are vulnerable and 111 districts in 12 States are of primary concern due to poor irrigation facilities. “We are preparing in advance. Not waiting for a crisis,” the Minister said adding that each 315 district will have a contingency plan to face the climatic challenge.
The article reports on government policy and environmental data without partisan bias.
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