Stories
Centre Assures Support to Farmers Battling Drought, Floods Amid Climate Change
- •Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the Centre's commitment to support farmers affected by drought and floods across various states.
- •Chouhan highlighted the adverse effects of climate change, leading to both drought and flood conditions in different parts of the country.
- •Contingency plans, developed by ICAR and other institutions, have been shared with states to guide farmers on suitable crops for low rainfall conditions, including seed banks and alternative crop arrangements.
- •The ministry is in constant communication with the Maharashtra government regarding the drought situation, with contingency plans ready for affected districts.
- •Farmers in flood-affected areas were also assured support, with the minister stating that the government would help them overcome the serious situation.
Key Questions Answered
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that the Centre will provide all possible support to farmers dealing with drought and floods, maintaining constant touch with affected state governments like Maharashtra, which declared drought in 74 percent of the state.
Institutes like the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) have prepared district-specific contingency plans shared with state governments, guiding farmers on growing shorter-duration or lower-water-requiring crops during low rainfall periods.
The ministry has established seed banks and prepared alternative arrangements and interim strategies for subsequent crops, alongside issuing necessary advisories to state governments to help mitigate agricultural challenges.
