Government urges rain-fed farmers to adopt resilient crops as weak monsoon looms
Facing a 42% rainfall deficit, India is mobilising farmers to switch to less water-thirsty crops and strengthening water conservation and support programmes to safeguard food security.
India’s agricultural policymakers are rolling out a new set of measures to help farmers in rain-dependent regions brace for an unpredictable monsoon season, with rainfall since June 1 trailing the seasonal average by a significant margin. The move is part of a wider national strategy aiming to secure rural livelihoods and stabilise food production in the face of climatic uncertainty.Background: Rainfall deficit raises alarm for 2026 planting seasoncrops, the shortfall is prompting urgent action from both central and state governments.Ministry of Agriculture has initiated a campaign encouraging a shift towards less water-dependent crops—such as pulses, oilseeds, and millets—particularly in districts with inadequate irrigation. The ministry’s approach is informed by a detailed district-level vulnerability assessment, pinpointing areas at greatest risk of crop failure due to insufficient rainfall.Targeted interventions: Identifying vulnerable districtsAgriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan outlined plans for 315 districts flagged as especially susceptible to erratic monsoon patterns. Of these, 111 districts with limited irrigation infrastructure have been designated as high-priority zones for immediate intervention, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.Contingency planning and water conservation efforts step upExpanding support: Insurance, credit and welfare measuresHeatwave adds to crop stress, international agencies warnUS Department of Agriculture, areas that received scant rainfall in the week leading up to June 20 are already experiencing stress on early-sown crops. This trend, if it continues, may amplify the risks for farmers and heighten the need for adaptive measures.Broader implications and the road ahead