El Niño Alert: Kharif Contingency Plans, Monsoon 90% of LPA

Centre on alert over El Niño; kharif contingency planning

Battle Brief

The Agriculture Ministry reviewed monsoon readiness on 2 June 2026 after IMD indicated a below-normal 2026 southwest monsoon, at about 90 per cent of the Long Period Average, with El Niño possibly developing. States were told to activate district contingency plans. Reservoir storage stood at 127.01 per cent of normal, and seed stocks were reported sufficient.

Fact File

Date: 2 Jun 2026, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Forecast: seasonal rainfall about 90% of LPA (IMD indication)
Risk: El Niño may develop during the monsoon
Reservoirs: 127.01% of normal storage
Seeds: sufficient for kharif and rabi; National Seed Reserve kept
Ask to States: district contingency plans, alternative crops, moisture conservation

In the news

El Niño preparedness for kharif 2026: what happened?

In El Niño years, the Indian monsoon is often weaker. A dry kharif season hits farm incomes and food prices. The Centre is trying to prepare before sowing begins rather than react after crops fail.

Contingency plans must work on the ground, not just on paper, and be district-specific.
Short-duration and low-water varieties should be kept ready for resowing.
Plans are needed for dry spells of two, three or four weeks: life-saving irrigation, resowing and alternative crops.
Farm ponds, water harvesting and moisture conservation through rural development schemes were stressed.
Mobile advisories and pest alerts should reach farmers directly.

Back Story

What does “90 per cent of LPA” mean?

The Long Period Average is the benchmark of average seasonal rainfall. A forecast of about 90 per cent means the season is expected to be below normal, as IMD indicated for 2026.

Why examiners care

Why does El Niño preparedness for kharif 2026 matter?

Agriculture: Early planning can limit crop loss in a weak monsoon.
Food prices: Kharif output affects inflation.
Federal: States must run district-level plans; the Centre supports weaker States.

Exam Radar

What can Prelims ask on El Niño preparedness for kharif 2026?

IMD indication for 2026 monsoon: about 90% of LPA (below normal).
Reservoir storage at 127.01% of normal (2 Jun 2026).
National Seed Reserve kept for emergencies.

How to use this in Mains

GS-III Agriculture: cropping, MSP, PDS, food processing, land reforms

As per PIB (2026-06-02): the Agriculture Minister directed special monitoring in likely low-rainfall States and districts, focusing on seeds, moisture conservation, water management and alternative crops; reservoir levels were better than normal.
Drought preparedness protects kharif output.

Quotable data point
The Agriculture Minister directed special monitoring in likely low-rainfall States and districts, focusing on seeds, moisture conservation, water management and alternative crops; reservoir levels were better than normal.
PIB: Agriculture: El Niño alert, 2 Jun 2026

Practice MCQs

Original practice questions (not PYQs).

Practice · UPSC

In June 2026, reservoir storage in India was reported at about

Answer (c) & explanation

PIB (Agriculture), 2 Jun 2026.

Quick questions

Questions students ask about this

What did IMD indicate for the 2026 monsoon?

A below-normal southwest monsoon, with seasonal rainfall around 90 per cent of the Long Period Average, and possible El Niño.

What were States asked to do?

Activate district-level contingency plans, keep short-duration and drought-tolerant seeds ready, and push moisture conservation.

What was the reservoir position?

Storage was at 127.01 per cent of normal for the period.