Bhopal: Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday directed all concerned departments to work together to prepare for the possibility of below-normal rainfall in Madhya Pradesh. He said timely planning and scientific farming can help reduce the impact on agriculture and protect farmers’ incomes.
Chairing a review meeting at the state secretariat, the Chief Minister assessed preparations by the agriculture, water resources, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, cooperation and public health engineering departments.
He asked officials to encourage farmers to grow crops that require less water and mature in a shorter period. These include sorghum, pearl millet, urad, moong, tur and millets such as kodo and kutki. He said such crops can provide better returns even if rainfall remains below normal.
The Chief Minister also advised farmers not to begin sowing until there is enough moisture in the fields. He directed officials to promote moisture conservation, improved seed varieties and modern farming methods. Agricultural scientists and extension workers have also been asked to provide timely advice so that farmers can choose suitable crops based on local conditions.
To improve monitoring, the state government will develop a state-level water dashboard for real-time monitoring and early warning. District administrations will also prepare emergency water management plans under the leadership of district collectors.
The government has drawn up a two-year plan to strengthen water conservation and supply. It includes restoring ponds, wells and other traditional water bodies, building recharge structures and farm ponds, completing irrigation canal repairs before the rabi season and ensuring drinking water remains the top priority in reservoir management.
The state also plans to prepare district-wise contingency crop plans, expand crop insurance coverage and improve damage assessment through digital crop surveys and satellite imagery. Officials have been asked to speed up ongoing preparations so that support can reach farmers without delay if rainfall remains below expectations.
Chief Minister Yadav said the state government is closely monitoring the monsoon situation and will continue providing technical and administrative support to farmers. He said protecting farmers’ interests and maintaining agricultural production remain the government’s top priorities.
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