State Deploys Science-Based Measures to Shield Farmers From El Niño

El Niño can reduce rainfall and make farming more difficult.

The state government says it started preparing before serious drought conditions appeared.

It completed thousands of water-related projects to help raise groundwater levels.

Officials are studying rainfall, soil moisture, reservoirs and crop conditions.

They are grouping farm plots by risk and sending specific advice to farmers.

Many farmers are using methods designed to protect crops when rainfall is uncertain.

The government is also encouraging pulses, millets and short-duration crops instead of water-intensive paddy where water is limited.

It has increased crop-insurance coverage and spent money supporting markets.

Officials also say enough fodder is available for livestock for five months.