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Prime Minister’s Office reviews possible impact of El Nino on various sectors
Calling for close coordination between ministries and states, the PMO has sought continuous monitoring and the impact of the monsoon and its variable patterns in vulnerable districts, so remedial action can be taken when necessary.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) held a high level review meeting on Tuesday to review the possible impact of El Nino on various sectors and their preparedness measures, stating district agriculture contingency plans have been updated and shared for 262 vulnerable districts across the country. Calling for close coordination between ministries and states, the PMO has sought continuous monitoring and the impact of the monsoon and its variable patterns in vulnerable districts, so remedial action can be taken when necessary.
The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Dr. P.K.Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, at Seva Teerth, with secretaries and senior officials from more than 15 ministries and government departments, including agriculture, power, co-operation, animal husbandry, earth sciences and rural development taking part.
“It was also instructed that steps must be taken to ensure adequate fodder availability along with fodder development plans and regular monitoring with the States must be undertaken. Ensuring adequate availability of drinking water in vulnerable districts must be a top priority,” said a statement issued by the PMO on Tuesday, adding reservoir levels in vulnerable districts were under regular watch and appropriate directions were given to ensure optimal reservoir water utilisation.
While the department of consumer affairs shared status of retail prices and the adequacy of buffer of rice, wheat and pulses, the department of fertilizer reported sufficient availability and likely opening balance for the Rabi season. “Both the departments were suggested to monitor constantly both macro and micro availability of essential commodities and fertilizers,” said an official part of the meeting.
It was also shared that district agriculture contingency plans have been updated for 262 vulnerable districts. “Standard Operating Procedures for ‘Managing El Nino Risks in Indian Agriculture’ has been issued by Indian Council for Agricultural Research for Krishi Vigyan Kendras in the districts. It was also highlighted that production of foodgrains has been maintained over the years despite deficient rainfall due to the climate resilient varieties and technologies,” said a statement from the PMO.
Other measures shared during the meeting included Kisan Credit Card coverage in vulnerable states and the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna crop insurance. “Departments of Agriculture, Financial Services and Cooperation were suggested to ensure maximum coverage in a time bound manner. Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying was asked to assess the availability of dry fodder, green fodder and cattle feed, at both macro and micro level,” the PMO said, adding the availability of drinking water was also being assessed, though the situation remains stable at present. Heatwaves were meanwhile being monitored by the department of Health and Family Welfare, with advisories being issued.
While India’s monsoon deficit stood at -40% on June 30, it has come down to -12% as of July 7 – aided by an active monsoon phase. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), also part of the meeting, said the monsoon was delayed by about 10 days in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. “A Weak to moderate El Nino is expected in July and August. The situation is being continuously monitored since July receives more than 30% of the monsoon season’s rainfall,” said IMD officials during the meeting, adding an El Nino year may not necessarily lead to deficient rainfall below normal during that year. Overall, the IMD has forecast 90% of the long period average (LPA) in terms of total monsoon rain this year.
