El Nino effect: Centre says 111 districts with ‘poor irrigation facilities’ are a concern

The Union Agriculture Minister held a high-level meeting to address the potential impact of the El Nino situation, which has caused a significant delay in monsoon rainfall, leading to 43% below normal precipitation. The Centre has identified 315 vulnerable districts, with 111 in 12 states being of primary concern due to poor irrigation facilities (below 25% coverage). Proactive measures include preparing district-specific contingency plans by ICAR, promoting water conservation through MGNREGA and forthcoming rural development programs, and planning for fodder supply to mitigate shortages for livestock. The weak monsoon is expected to directly affect Kharif crops, especially in rainfed regions.