Agriculture Minister Shivraj Chauhan gave a big warning regarding El Nino, said – there will be huge loss to crops in 111 districts.

New Delhi, June 23. Giving a big warning regarding El Nino, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan on Tuesday said that the government has identified 111 districts where the crop is at the highest risk of damage, because 43 percent reduction in monsoon due to El Nino is affecting Kharif sowing. He said the weak monsoon conditions are likely to continue till July 2, leaving very little time for farmers to sow the Kharif crop.

43 percent reduction in monsoon rains

Shivraj Chauhan said that till June 22, sowing of Kharif crops has taken place in less than 10 percent of the total sown area, which is slightly higher i.e. 1 crore 19.9 lakh hectares as compared to 1 crore 17.9 lakh hectares recorded in the same period last year. And except soybean, most of the crops are progressing.

Effect of weak monsoon will be visible in 315 districts

After a review meeting on the progress of monsoon, the Agriculture Minister told reporters, ‘Overall, there is a 43 percent deficit in monsoon rains. The Meteorological Department estimates that the weak monsoon is likely to continue till July 2. This means that Kharif crops may be affected.

LIVE: Press Conference.

— Office of Shivraj (@OfficeofSSC) June 23, 2026

The ministry has identified 315 districts in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Bihar, Jharkhand, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha where below normal rainfall is likely.

111 districts suffered the most damage

Of these, 111 districts, including 20 districts of Maharashtra, have been classified as ‘highest risk’ districts because the irrigation facilities there are less than 25 percent. 76 districts with 25-50 per cent irrigation facility fall in the ‘medium risk’ category while 128 districts with adequate dams and irrigation infrastructure are considered ‘lowest risk’. The ministry has prepared state-wise contingency plans, calling for cultivation of alternative crops suited to low rainfall conditions.

Today, a detailed review meeting was held at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi with the agriculture ministers of the states, senior officials, district collectors, scientists and experts regarding the possible conditions of El Nino and weak monsoon.

To ensure that farmers do not face any difficulty under any circumstances, the Center and the State… pic.twitter.com/7dAEa7Dgts

— Shivraj Singh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) June 23, 2026

Advice on growing pulses and oilseeds

States have been directed to promote pulses, oilseeds and coarse cereals requiring less water and encourage the adoption of short-duration and climate-friendly seed varieties instead of depending on any one crop. The minister said, “There is a shortage of rain. We need to suggest farmers to adopt alternative crops. We will not let the fields remain vacant.” He said that there is adequate availability of seeds and fertilizers for this season. The water level in the reservoirs is still higher than last year, although it is decreasing.

States have been asked to use water judiciously and clean ponds, rivers, farm ponds and check dams under the VB-Gram G (Developed India-Employment Guarantee and Livelihood Mission Rural) program to save water for irrigation needs.