El Nino: 111 districts in 12 states identified as "high priority" due to weak monsoon and low irrigation.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that 111 districts across 12 states have been identified as "high priority" due to weak monsoon conditions and irrigation coverage below 25%, following the El Nino situation. Overall, 315 districts are deemed vulnerable. Rainfall is currently 43% below normal and is expected to remain weak until July 2. The Minister emphasized proactive preparation, with each vulnerable district developing a contingency plan based on district-specific climatic conditions, cropping patterns, and water resources. Measures include suitable alternative crops, crop diversification, and optimum water use. Water conservation and harvesting works under MGNREGA and forthcoming rural development programmes like VB-GRAMG will be prioritized.
Key Points
- 111 districts in 12 states are categorized as "high priority" due to weak monsoon and low irrigation coverage (<25%).
- A total of 315 districts are identified as potentially affected by weak monsoon conditions.
- Rainfall is currently 43% below normal and is projected to remain weak until July 2.
- Each vulnerable district is developing a contingency plan with measures like alternative crops and crop diversification.
- Water conservation and harvesting under MGNREGA and VB-GRAMG will be prioritized.
Exam Facts
- Union Agriculture Minister: Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
- Number of "high priority" districts: 111.
- Number of vulnerable districts: 315.
- Current rainfall deficit: 43% below normal.
- States mentioned: M.P., Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Bihar, Jharkhand, Telangana, A.P., and Odisha.
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