Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Southern States Face Severe El Niño Impact, Agriculture Minister Says
El Niño is affecting rainfall in southern states, according to Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan.
He said many districts have received less rain than usual.
Out of 143 districts in the southern states, 104 have had deficient rainfall.
Telangana has recorded deficient rain in 20 districts.
Kerala had good rainfall overall, but eight districts still received less than normal rain.
Officials met in Hyderabad to plan for the next Rabi farming season.
They discussed falling groundwater, fake seeds, harmful farm chemicals, and climate change.
Chauhan said the central government would support states if they need help.
He also said farmers should be prepared even though a cyclone might bring some rain.
Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan said southern Indian states are bearing the heaviest effects of this year’s El Niño.
Of 143 districts across the southern states, 104 have received deficient rainfall, including 20 districts in Telangana.
Kerala received good rainfall overall, but eight of its districts recorded below-normal rain.
The agriculture ministers’ conference discussed preparations for the Rabi season, climate change, groundwater depletion, and farmer advisories.
Chauhan said the Centre could provide support such as access to seed banks and tougher laws were being prepared against spurious seeds and agrochemicals.
- Who
- Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan and agriculture ministers from southern states.
- What
- Officials discussed preparations for the next Rabi crop season amid El Niño, deficient rainfall, groundwater concerns, and agricultural-input problems.
- When
- The regional conference was held on Friday; a national agriculture ministers’ conference is scheduled for September 28 and 29.
- Where
- The regional conference took place in Hyderabad and covered southern Indian states, including Telangana and Kerala.
- Why
- The meeting was held to prepare for the effects of deficient rainfall and climate change on farming and the upcoming Rabi season.
- Deficient-rainfall districts
- 104 of 143 districts in the southern states
- Telangana impact
- 20 districts had deficient rainfall
- Kerala impact
- Eight districts recorded below-normal rainfall despite good rainfall overall
- Main agricultural season discussed
- Rabi
- National conference
- Scheduled for September 28 and 29 in Delhi
- Potential support
- States may use the Centre’s seed bank if required
- Proposed enforcement
- New seed and pesticide laws would include stringent punishments for sellers of spurious inputs