Rainfall 43% deficit so far, kharif crops likely to be hit: Government
UPSC CSE Context Why in News: Rainfall 43% deficit so far; government reviews impact on kharif crops. Syllabus Connection: GS Paper 3: Agriculture, Disaster Management; GS Paper 1: Geography monsoon, El Niño. Exam Relevance: Issue links monsoon variability, El Niño, food security, and disaster preparedness for Mains. Core Issue Weak monsoon threatens kharif crops; contingency plans activated. Key Development: Agriculture Ministry identifies 315 affected districts, 111 high priority with <25% irrigation. Stakeholders: IMD ICAR State governments Farmers Static Knowledge High Value Background: Kharif crops rice, maize, cotton depend on June September monsoon; deficit affects sowing and yield. El Niño reduces Indian monsoon rainfall by weakening Walker circulation. Exam Linkage: Useful for questions on monsoon variability, drought management, and agricultural contingency planning. Concepts in Context: District Agriculture Contingency Plans DACP: location specific strategies for crop dive
## UPSC CSE Context **Why in News:** Rainfall 43% deficit so far; government reviews impact on kharif crops. **Syllabus Connection:** GS Paper 3: Agriculture, Disaster Management; GS Paper 1: Geography (monsoon, El Niño). **Exam Relevance:** Issue links monsoon variability, El Niño, food security, and disaster preparedness for Mains. ## Core Issue Weak monsoon threatens kharif crops; contingency plans activated. **Key Development:** Agriculture Ministry identifies 315 affected districts, 111 high-priority with <25% irrigation. **Stakeholders:** - IMD - ICAR - State governments - Farmers ## Static Knowledge **High-Value Background:** - Kharif crops (rice, maize, cotton) depend on June-September monsoon; deficit affects sowing and yield. - El Niño reduces Indian monsoon rainfall by weakening Walker circulation. **Exam Linkage:** - Useful for questions on monsoon variability, drought management, and agricultural contingency planning. **Concepts in Context:** - District Agriculture Contingency Plans (DACP): location-specific strategies for crop diversification and water management. **Institutions and Mechanisms:** - El Niño Monitoring Cell and Crop Weather Watch Group for real-time monitoring. ## Dynamic Analysis ### Agriculture and Food Security - 43% rainfall deficit may delay kharif sowing, reducing yields and farm incomes. - 111 high-priority districts with low irrigation face acute risk; need immediate support. - Contingency plans include alternative crops and water-saving techniques to mitigate losses. - Potential spike in food prices if production falls, affecting inflation and rural demand. ### Disaster Management - Proactive identification of vulnerable districts enables targeted relief and resource allocation. - Weekly reviews and nodal officers improve coordination between Centre and states. - Contingency plans must be implemented rapidly; delays could worsen farmer distress. ### Climate Change and Environment - El Niño events are becoming more frequent due to climate change, increasing monsoon uncertainty. - Dependence on rainfed agriculture (51% of net sown area) amplifies vulnerability. - Long-term solutions require investment in irrigation, water harvesting, and climate-resilient crops. ## Prelims Takeaways - El Niño: warming of central/eastern Pacific Ocean, weakens Indian monsoon. ## Mains Value Addition **Arguments:** - Monsoon deficit exposes structural weakness in irrigation infrastructure. - Contingency planning is effective but requires timely implementation and farmer awareness. - Climate change necessitates shift towards climate-resilient agriculture and water management. **Examples:** - 111 high-priority districts with <25% irrigation coverage identified for focused intervention. **Data Points:** - Rainfall deficit: 43% below normal as of June 24. - 315 districts likely affected; 111 high priority with <25% irrigation. **Counterpoints:** - Over-reliance on short-term measures without addressing long-term irrigation deficits. ## Way Forward - Accelerate implementation of contingency plans in high-priority districts. - Expand irrigation coverage through micro-irrigation and water harvesting schemes. - Promote drought-resistant crop varieties and diversified cropping patterns. - Integrate climate risk management into agricultural policy and planning.
UPSC relevance
This public article is available for independent reading. Personalised revision, quizzes, saved items and progress tools remain protected inside the learner product.