Government reviews monsoon preparedness as IMD forecasts below-normal rainfall in 2026; contingency plans, seed reserves and water management measures aimed at protecting farmers and strengthening India’s food ecosystem.

Key Highlights

• Centre reviews nationwide preparedness for possible El Niño impact during 2026 monsoon.
• IMD indicates Southwest Monsoon rainfall may be around 90% of Long Period Average.
• Reservoir storage currently stands at 127% of normal levels, offering support for Kharif crops.
• National Seed Reserve activated to ensure availability of climate-resilient crop varieties.
• States directed to prepare district-level contingency plans and drought management strategies.
• Focus on water conservation, moisture retention and alternative crop planning.
• Mobile-based advisories and digital farmer outreach to be strengthened.
• Measures expected to support food supply stability and reduce agricultural disruptions.

Centre Intensifies El Niño Preparedness as Monsoon Risks Raise Concerns for Food Supply Chains

New Delhi, June 2: With forecasts indicating the possibility of El Niño conditions and below-normal monsoon rainfall during the 2026 Kharif season, the Government of India has stepped up preparedness measures aimed at protecting agricultural output, farmer incomes and the broader food economy.

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan chaired a high-level review meeting in New Delhi to assess the country’s readiness for potential weather-related disruptions. The review covered monsoon forecasts, reservoir levels, seed availability, crop planning, irrigation preparedness and state-level contingency measures.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), seasonal rainfall during the 2026 Southwest Monsoon could be around 90 per cent of the Long Period Average, while El Niño conditions may develop during the season. In response, the Centre has directed states and agricultural agencies to strengthen preparedness and ensure timely support reaches farmers.

The minister emphasised that while weather forecasts warrant close monitoring, there is no immediate cause for concern, citing strong reservoir storage levels and extensive government planning.

A significant positive indicator highlighted during the meeting was the country’s water availability. Reservoir storage levels currently stand at approximately 127 per cent of normal levels for this period, providing a critical buffer for irrigation requirements during the upcoming Kharif season.

To reduce weather-related risks, the government has instructed states to activate district-specific contingency plans focusing on rainfall variability, delayed sowing, alternative crops and drought-resistant seed varieties. Special attention will be given to regions vulnerable to prolonged dry spells or lower rainfall.

The Centre has also confirmed that seed availability for both Kharif and Rabi crops remains adequate, supported by a National Seed Reserve that can be deployed during emergency situations. States have been directed to ensure the supply of certified and climate-resilient seeds, particularly short-duration crop varieties suitable for uncertain rainfall conditions.

Beyond crop planning, the government is strengthening measures related to moisture conservation, farm ponds, water harvesting infrastructure and scientific irrigation management. Officials have been asked to ensure efficient water distribution, particularly in canal command areas where access often varies across regions.

Digital outreach will also play a major role in the preparedness strategy. Authorities plan to expand mobile advisories, weather alerts, pest management information and crop guidance services, enabling farmers to receive real-time recommendations based on local conditions.

The review additionally focused on disease and pest management, recognising that changing weather patterns can alter pest outbreaks and crop disease incidence. Monitoring systems and rapid-response advisories are being prepared to minimise agricultural losses.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan stressed the need for coordinated action among departments handling agriculture, irrigation, weather forecasting, rural development and water resources, ensuring that preparedness measures translate into on-ground outcomes rather than remaining administrative exercises.

What It Means for Hospitality, Food & Tourism

For India’s hospitality and food service sectors, agricultural preparedness is increasingly linked to business stability.

Hotels, restaurants, caterers and food processors rely heavily on consistent supplies of grains, vegetables, fruits and pulses. Effective management of potential El Niño-related disruptions can help moderate supply shocks, reduce volatility in food prices and support procurement planning across the hospitality industry.

Stable agricultural production is particularly important for premium hospitality brands promoting farm-to-table dining, regional cuisine experiences and sustainable sourcing practices.

The government’s focus on water conservation, climate-resilient farming and rural infrastructure also supports the long-term development of agri-tourism and rural tourism destinations. Better resilience at the farm level can strengthen local economies that increasingly serve as tourism hubs offering culinary experiences, farm stays and agricultural tourism activities.

As climate variability becomes a growing concern for food systems worldwide, India’s proactive monsoon preparedness strategy could play an important role in protecting both agricultural livelihoods and the industries that depend on them.

Source: PIB | Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare | June 2, 2026

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