Irrigation Minister directs officials to prepare contingency plans to counter El Nino impact

Hyderabad

With forecasts showing the possibility of El Niño affecting the current monsoon, Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy has instructed officials to be ready with comprehensive contingency plans to effectively tackle any challenges arising from weather conditions.

The State could not remain immune if El Niño affected the country. This required seamless coordination between the Irrigation, Agriculture and Meteorology Departments to minimize risks to agriculture and protect farmers’ livelihoods. Concerned authorities are required to prepare region-specific action plans accordingly based on rainfall, water availability and crop conditions.

The government was constantly monitoring developments in the weather. It alarmed the relevant units and official institutions. He said there was no reason for farmers to panic as emergency measures have been put in place to quickly respond to any situation that arises.

The Minister said that each region should be equipped with a clear response strategy against adverse impacts resulting from insufficient rainfall or prolonged drought. The minister said Irrigation, Agriculture and allied departments should immediately initiate region-specific preparedness measures and maintain continuous coordination at the field level.

He said that India Meteorological Department’s forecasts, advisories and warnings should be closely monitored and immediately converted into actionable guides for farmers. Scientific information should reach practitioners without delay, thanks to the coordinated efforts of relevant departments.

He reiterated his appeal to farmers not to rely entirely on traditional water-intensive crops when water availability is uncertain. Instead, authorities should promote suitable alternative crops based on expected rainfall and available irrigation resources. Officials have been instructed to provide information on reservoir storage and water availability so that farmers can make informed planting decisions. Mr. Reddy said agronomists should ensure that technical advice on crop selection and growing practices reaches every farmer well in advance.