Rabi planning: Centre asks States to assess water availability, prioritise pulses, oilseeds

Inaugurating the two-day National Conference on Agriculture for Rabi Campaign in New Delhi on Monday (September 28, 2026), Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan asked States to make water budgeting one of the most important parameters for Rabi planning. He asked every State and district to assess water available for irrigation before finalising crop plans.

Union Agriculture Secretary Atul Chandra, in his address, said the Kharif season had been challenging due to El Niño and that production could also be affected during the upcoming Rabi season due to adverse climatic conditions.

Mr. Chouhan, citing deficient rainfall during the ongoing Kharif season, said areas with limited water availability should prioritise less water-intensive crops such as pulses and oilseeds, while areas with assured irrigation can plan other crops accordingly. He asked States to complete preparations for the Rabi season through coordinated planning, scientific assessment and close field-level monitoring.

“Amid climate change, erratic rainfall and water constraints, food security and higher farm incomes would require data-driven planning and stronger Centre-State coordination rather than conventional approaches,” he said at the conference, organised by the Union Agriculture Ministry and attended by senior officials of the Centre and States, scientists and vice-chancellors of State Agricultural Universities.

Water shortage

Mr. Chouhan said rainfall had remained below normal, although not to an extent that would severely affect water availability at the national level. “However, water shortages in some States remain a concern. States must assess water availability and soil moisture in vulnerable areas and make arrangements for irrigation in advance. There should be no situation where a crop requiring more water is sown, and adequate water is subsequently unavailable, resulting in crop losses,” he said.

He expressed concern over drought conditions in Maharashtra and Karnataka and added that nearly two-thirds of Maharashtra had been affected and that the State had declared drought. Karnataka was also facing drought-like conditions.

A Central team would undertake a ground assessment in Karnataka on October 3, while another team would also be sent to Maharashtra,” Mr, Chouhan said.

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

He said the Kharif crop season had been very challenging, particularly in rain-fed areas. “We are seeing that in the coming season; production is likely to be affected to a large extent. And the Rabi season will also be challenging for the rain-fed areas,” he said.

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