AI-generated representative image The Centre on Tuesday identified 197 districts across the country as the most vulnerable to the impact of El Niño and has prepared contingency plans to deal with any adverse effects on agriculture.Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on said that the ministry of agriculture and farmers’ welfare is implementing “Khet Bachao Abhiyan”, a nationwide awareness campaign aimed at reaching farmers.“The concern about El Nino is always on my mind 24×7. Not definitive, but 197 districts are identified as most vulnerable,” said Chouhan, as reported by the news agency PTI. The El Nino phenomenon is being assessed through weekly meetings held by the ministry. If conditions worsen, it has stored up necessary agricultural inputs like seeds to respond in time. “We have prepared a contingency plan for each state. We will leave no stone unturned to tackle this,” Chouhan added.El Nino, a climate phenomenon linked to poor monsoons and rainfall uncertainties, is a worry for this year.The southwest monsoon has been forecast at around 90% of the long-period average, a below-normal season, according to the IMD (India Meteorological Department).Crop risks could heighten if El Nino conditions intensify in the monsoon season’s latter half, officials warn.Kerala saw the southwest monsoon set in on June 4, which is now advancing northward. Estimated 20-30 per cent of the country is experiencing current coverage, full coverage is expected around July 15.Read the latest news on the go. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPoK Unrest Deepens: Protesters Allege Crackdown, Casualties And BlackoutTMC Crisis Deepens As CID Probes Alleged Fake Signatures In LoP Selection Case | WatchIndia Accuses Pak Of Spreading Disinformation To Cover Up Human Rights Abuses In POKUS Court Strikes Down Trump-Era $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee | Temporary Relief To Indians?SIPRI 2026: India Overtakes Pak In Nuclear Warheads, Emerges As World’s 5th Largest Military SpenderGovt Clears 250 MW Solar Power Project With BESS On Defence Land In Uttar PradeshDelhi LG Proposes Recruitment of Former Agniveers to Address Fire Department VacanciesWayanad Health Alert: 25 Students Admitted With Suspected Shigella InfectionZojila Tunnel Breakthrough: Major Milestone In India’s Most Challenging Himalayan Infra ProjectCongress Loses Last Rajya Sabha Presence In Gujarat As BJP Sweeps Seats;MP Contest Turns High-Stakes123PhotostoriesFrom ‘Om Shanti Om’, ‘Dear Zindagi’ to Yale University: Shah Rukh Khan’s most inspiring quotes that will change your outlook on lifeThe best places to retire in India: Affordable, peaceful, and senior-friendly9 mangoes that are not grown in India and what makes them uniqueSuccess quote of the day by Steve Jobs: “Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is…”Canterbury Bells to Foxgloves in June: 6 low-maintenance plants that can help fill garden gapsFrom saving to spending: 5 essential money lessons every child should learnSolar storms and human health: Should we really be worried?Inside star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo’s ₹1,000+ crore real estate empire: Mansions, penthouses, and luxury villas across the globe6 social etiquettes every child should be taught and 6 reasons they can benefit a child’s futureKatrina Kaif to Deepika Padukone: Desi hair-care remedies Bollywood’s leading actresses swear by for healthy locks123Hot PicksCUET UG 2026 Answer KeyNFL Trade RumorsMamata BanerjeeMathew BarzalSpiceJet’s cashCommercial LPG shortageBrock LesnarCUET UG 2026 Answer KeyITR filing FY 2025-26Top TrendingBAN vs AUS Live ScoreUS Iran warGold Rate TodayFIFA World Cup 2026Driving Licence ValidityChennai TNSTC BusGautam PatelDU Professor Murder CaseVisakhapatnam Steel Plant AccidentCBSE Class 12 re-evaluation
The Centre on Tuesday identified 197 districts across the country as the most vulnerable to the impact of El Niño and has prepared contingency plans to deal with any adverse effects on agriculture.Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on said that the ministry of agriculture and farmers’ welfare is implementing “Khet Bachao Abhiyan”, a nationwide awareness campaign aimed at reaching farmers.“The concern about El Nino is always on my mind 24×7. Not definitive, but 197 districts are identified as most vulnerable,” said Chouhan, as reported by the news agency PTI. The El Nino phenomenon is being assessed through weekly meetings held by the ministry. If conditions worsen, it has stored up necessary agricultural inputs like seeds to respond in time. “We have prepared a contingency plan for each state. We will leave no stone unturned to tackle this,” Chouhan added.El Nino, a climate phenomenon linked to poor monsoons and rainfall uncertainties, is a worry for this year.The southwest monsoon has been forecast at around 90% of the long-period average, a below-normal season, according to the IMD (India Meteorological Department).Crop risks could heighten if El Nino conditions intensify in the monsoon season’s latter half, officials warn.Kerala saw the southwest monsoon set in on June 4, which is now advancing northward. Estimated 20-30 per cent of the country is experiencing current coverage, full coverage is expected around July 15.
