Rabi planning: Center asks states to assess water availability, prioritize pulses and oilseeds

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan addresses a two-day national conference on preparedness for the upcoming (winter) rabi season on September 28, 2026. Image: X/@ChouhanShivraj

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who on Monday (September 28, 2026) launched the two-day National Agriculture Conference campaign for Rabi in New Delhi, asked states to make water budget one of the most important planning parameters for Rabi. He asked each state and district to assess water available for irrigation before finalizing crop plans.

In his speech, Union Agriculture Minister Atul Chandra said that the Kharif season has been challenging due to El Niño and that production could also be affected during the upcoming Rabi season due to adverse climatic conditions.

Referring to the lack of rainfall during the ongoing Kharif season, Mr. Chouhan said areas with limited water availability should prioritize less water-intensive crops like pulses and oilseeds, while areas with assured irrigation can plan for other crops accordingly. He asked the states to complete preparations for the Rabi season through coordinated planning, scientific assessment and detailed monitoring at the field level.

“Amid climate change, erratic rainfall and water scarcity, food security and higher farm income would require data-driven planning and stronger coordination between the Center and the state rather than conventional approaches,” he said at a conference organized by the Union agriculture ministry and attended by senior officials of the Center and states, scientists and vice-chancellors of state agricultural universities.

Lack of water

Mr. Chouhan said rainfall remained below normal, though not to an extent that would seriously affect water availability at the national level. “However, water scarcity remains a problem in some states. States must assess water availability and soil moisture in vulnerable areas and arrange irrigation in advance. There should not be a situation where a crop requiring more water is sown and then insufficient water is available, resulting in crop losses,” he said.

He expressed concern over the drought conditions in Maharashtra and Karnataka, adding that nearly two-thirds of Maharashtra has been affected and the state has declared drought. Karnataka also faced drought-like conditions.

A central team will conduct a ground assessment in Karnataka on October 3, while another team will also be sent to Maharashtra,” said Mr. Chouhan.

Mr. Chandra said, “Amid changing weather patterns, uneven rainfall and moisture-related problems in rain-fed areas, it is imperative to promote agricultural diversification, sustainable agriculture and research-based agricultural practices.”

He said the Kharif crop season was very challenging, especially in the rainfed areas. “We are seeing this in the coming season; production is likely to be affected to a large extent. And the Rabi season will also be challenging for rain-burdened areas,” he said.

“We used to think that we would face the problems associated with climate change later. But now we see the changes happening and they are happening at a fast pace,” he added.

Published – 28 Sep 2026 15:18 IST