New Delhi [India], July 8 (ANI): Amidst concerns regarding the monsoon due to the possible influence of El Nino, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized on Wednesday that the central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is effectively managing the situation with thorough preparedness, strategic planning, and strong action on the ground.

As the Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Chouhan pointed out that despite existing challenges, proactive measures are being taken to address them. Following a significant 33 percent rainfall deficit in June, July has seen an improvement, with the deficit decreasing to 24 percent. Recent widespread rainfall across the nation has reduced the number of districts facing deficient rainfall from 262 to 178, as stated in an official announcement.

After a high-level review meeting, Chouhan informed the media that intensive monitoring is being carried out in states such as Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Bihar, Jharkhand, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, West Bengal, and Odisha. It is anticipated that rainfall will accelerate in July, facilitating quicker Kharif sowing.

Currently, sowing has been completed across 350.85 lakh hectares, which is about 91.95 lakh hectares less than the previous year. The Minister noted that the delayed monsoon has impacted soybean and cotton crops; however, farmers are being encouraged to plant shorter-duration and less water-intensive crops like maize, millet (bajra), and moong, according to the announcement.

Chouhan indicated that preparations to tackle this challenge began back in April. In cooperation with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), contingency plans for districts at risk have been developed and communicated to the states. The Minister mentioned that during the