Amid uncertainty in the southwest monsoon due to the potential impact of El Nino, the Government is addressing the situation with comprehensive preparedness, a clear strategy, and strong ground-level action, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Wednesday.
The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Tuesday conducted a high-level review of the country's preparedness for the possible impact of El Niño on agriculture and other sectors of the economy.
For India, the southwest monsoon is far more than a seasonal we ather phenomenon. It is the lifeline of the economy, sustaining agriculture, replenishing water reservoirs, supporting hydropower generation and influencing inflation, employment and food security.
With forecasts insinuating towards the possible emergence of El Niño conditions and the likelihood of below-normal monsoon rainfall in parts of the country, the Odisha government on Monday decided to constitute a dedicated task force to strengthen drought preparedness and ensure effective management of water resources during the 2026 Kharif season.
Forecasts from the Monsoon Mission Coupled Forecast System indicate the further strengthening of El Niño conditions during the monsoon season.
The return of El Niño is a reminder that the world’s climate crisis is no longer defined solely by long-term warming trends.
A powerful Super El Niño could reshape global weather from 2026 to 2027, bringing extreme heatwaves, weak monsoons, floods, droughts, food inflation, and climate chaos across India and the world.
Maharashtra has invoked MCOCA against organised cattle smuggling networks for the first time, with Devendra Fadnavis also outlining the state’s El Nino preparedness plan.
The monsoon is vital to India's agricultural sector, which sustains roughly 42.3% of the population and accounts for 18.2% of the national GDP.
The date for the onset of monsoon in Kerala remains the same and will arrive on June 1. The date for Chennai will be June 4, Panjim June 7, Hyderabad June 8, Pune June 10 and Mumbai June 11.
