PTI file photo NEW DELHI: El Nino – a climatic phenomenon associated with weak monsoon in India – may pose a risk for farming operations this year, but what provides hope is that the country could effectively manage its impact in 2023 when India reported ‘below normal’ rainfall due to strong El Nino. The year 2015, which saw a drought due to severe El Nino, was the last year when foodgrain output dipped on account of the phenomenon. India saw record foodgrain output in 2018, which reported ‘below normal’ rain due to other climatic factors.35% monsoon deficit so far, sowing operations hitThis was made possible due to timely deployment of contingency measures and constant efforts to make Indian agriculture ‘drought-proof’ by expanding the footprint of irrigation networks, emphasis on micro (drip and sprinkler) irrigation, judicious choice of less water-consuming crops and use of drought-resistant seeds.Amid the El Niño risk this year, IMD has predicted ‘below normal’ monsoon rainfall during the June-Sept period with 60% probability of its being ‘deficient’, triggering fears of a drought. India last reported two back-to-back drought years in 2014 and 2015, recording 12% and 14% deficits, respectively, in overall seasonal rainfall.India has so far reported more than 35% deficit in overall cumulative monsoon rainfall since its onset over on June 4, impacting sowing operations in certain states.Sensing the urgency, Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan held a meeting Tuesday and directed coordinated meetings with district officials, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and other extension agencies in 12 states where El Niño’s impact is likely to be “relatively severe” during the kharif season.The vulnerable states include Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. Though a total of 197 districts across the country have been identified as most vulnerable to the impact of El Niño, contingency measures are being prepared in 326 districts.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorVishwa MohanVishwa Mohan is Senior Editor at The Times of India. He writes on environment, climate change, agriculture, water resources and clean energy, tracking policy issues and climate diplomacy. He has been covering Parliament since 2003 to see how politics shaped up domestic policy and India’s position at global platform. Before switching over to explore sustainable development issues, Vishwa had covered internal security and investigative agencies for more than a decade.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’There Is Shortage of Trust’: PM Modi’s Sharp G7 Message Beside TrumpCelebi Claims India Erased $500 Million in Value After Security Clearance Revocation Post Op SindoorTop BJP Leaders Meet Amid Speculation Over National Team, Cabinet Reshuffle | Watch’Military-Grade Security’: Annamalai, BJP Clash Over NEET UG Re-ExamKalyan Banerjee Rejects Misconduct Allegations Amid Escalating TMC Split BattleOperation Tiger Nears Final Stage: Shinde Camp Says 7 Sena UBT MPs May Switch Before Session’Not Scared’: CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke Blames RSS Over Jaipur protest assaultAnti-Defection Law: Can Two-Thirds Of TMC MPs Override Their Party And Claim A Merger?Drills, Checks, Surveillance: J&K Sees Massive Security Boost Ahead Of Amarnath Yatra 2026LRLACM Tested: How India’s 1,500 km Cruise Missile Shifts the Balance With Pakistan and China123PhotostoriesFrom accepting the role of Champaklal, Jethalal’s father, at 35 to his bond with Dilip Joshi: When Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah fame Amit Bhatt spoke about his journey7 new real estate hubs in Navi Mumbai worth watchingWhy both vegetarian and non-vegetarian thali rose by 5% and 7% in the month of May5 warning signs of stress are hijacking your decision-making ability, according to a psychologistIn photos: The timeless of beauty of Ladakh in summer seasonAmeesha Patel’s ‘Gadar’ anniversary lehenga feels like a love letter to Bollywood’s golden eraVirat Kohli’s piggyback ride with daughter Akaay melts hearts: 7 lessons on mindful parenting from Virat and Anushka10 subtle signs you have high emotional intelligenceCan’t leave or stay? 4 warning signs you are in a trauma-bond relationshipLosing weight without trying? Your body could be sending an important health warning123Hot PicksMohammad MohebiForm 16Strait of HormuzGreen Card Newsilia TopuriaNEET UG RE ExamNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Result PDFTelegram banFIFA World Cup 2026FIFA World Cup StandingsNagpur RapeITR Form 16CBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Iran FIFA World Cup CoachWWE Star Bayley
NEW DELHI: El Nino – a climatic phenomenon associated with weak monsoon in India – may pose a risk for farming operations this year, but what provides hope is that the country could effectively manage its impact in 2023 when India reported ‘below normal’ rainfall due to strong El Nino. The year 2015, which saw a drought due to severe El Nino, was the last year when foodgrain output dipped on account of the phenomenon. India saw record foodgrain output in 2018, which reported ‘below normal’ rain due to other climatic factors.35% monsoon deficit so far, sowing operations hitThis was made possible due to timely deployment of contingency measures and constant efforts to make Indian agriculture ‘drought-proof’ by expanding the footprint of irrigation networks, emphasis on micro (drip and sprinkler) irrigation, judicious choice of less water-consuming crops and use of drought-resistant seeds.Amid the El Niño risk this year, IMD has predicted ‘below normal’ monsoon rainfall during the June-Sept period with 60% probability of its being ‘deficient’, triggering fears of a drought. India last reported two back-to-back drought years in 2014 and 2015, recording 12% and 14% deficits, respectively, in overall seasonal rainfall.India has so far reported more than 35% deficit in overall cumulative monsoon rainfall since its onset over on June 4, impacting sowing operations in certain states.Sensing the urgency, Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan held a meeting Tuesday and directed coordinated meetings with district officials, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and other extension agencies in 12 states where El Niño’s impact is likely to be “relatively severe” during the kharif season.The vulnerable states include Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. Though a total of 197 districts across the country have been identified as most vulnerable to the impact of El Niño, contingency measures are being prepared in 326 districts.
