El Nino threatens rabi crops in rainfed areas, may affect foodgrain output: Agri Secy

The upcoming rabi season, beginning in October, could pose significant challenges for rainfed areas due to the El Nino weather pattern, potentially impacting foodgrain output, according to Agriculture Secretary Atish Chandra. Chandra emphasized that the kharif season also presents difficulties, particularly for rainfed regions where several states have faced difficulties achieving crop coverage and ensuring crop survival. Sowing of rabi crops like wheat and mustard commences in October.

Chandra highlighted that some states might experience excessive soil moisture, while areas with insufficient rainfall could endure prolonged periods of stress. Strategies must be tailored accordingly for the rabi season. He noted that climate change is an undeniable reality, with irrigated areas also witnessing untimely and heavy rains, negatively impacting crops. India has achieved self-reliance in cereals but still imports pulses, oilseeds, and certain horticulture products such as fruits.

Chandra underscored the importance of crop diversification to achieve self-sufficiency, acknowledging the hurdles involved in research practices, climate resilience, and farmer incomes. He stressed that diversification must align with sustainable agriculture, the government's second priority. Initiatives like the Per Drop More Crop and soil health programs have been initiated, but their effectiveness must be evaluated beyond subsidy distribution.

Infrastructure modernization to reduce farm losses was identified as the third priority by Chandra, who expressed concern over gaps in both pre-production and post-production facilities. He stressed the need to modernize infrastructure to enhance efficiency. Regarding market systems, Chandra pointed out that fruits and vegetables lack a procurement mechanism despite expanding production and market demand, with horticulture growth now outpacing that of cereals, pulses, and oilseeds.

Reforms have been implemented, but Chandra noted that the accompanying constraints prevent their practical efficacy, necessitating examination. He highlighted digital agriculture as the most crucial priority, emphasizing data asymmetry as a hindrance to planning. Decisions on rabi, kharif, and zaid crops require precise production and land-coverage data, along with farmer identification.

The farmer ID initiative, a massive undertaking viewed globally as a miracle, is unique in its scale, with Chandra stressing the importance of connecting farmers to land records and integrating them into the system.