Bhopal, July 2 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday reviewed the state’s preparedness for the possibility of scanty rainfall and directed all concerned departments to work in coordination to ensure farmers receive timely guidance and support.
Chairing a high-level meeting at the Mantralaya, the Chief Minister said the possibility of low rainfall should be seen as an opportunity for better planning and scientific farming rather than a challenge.
“The situation of potential scanty rainfall should be viewed not as a challenge, but as an opportunity for better planning, scientific farming and timely preparation,” Mohan Yadav said, stressing that coordinated efforts would help minimise the impact on agriculture and farmers’ income.
He instructed officials to create awareness among farmers about cultivating crops that require less water and mature early.
He suggested promoting millets and pulses, including jowar, bajra, urad, moong, tur and kodo-kutki, saying these crops can give good yields even with limited rainfall.
The Chief Minister also advised farmers not to begin sowing in haste and asked officials to ensure sowing starts only after adequate soil moisture is available.
He directed departments to promote moisture conservation, high-yielding short-duration crop varieties and modern farming practices.
“The interests of farmers are paramount, and the state government will take all necessary steps to ensure their prosperity and sustain agricultural production,” Yadav added.
During the meeting, officials presented a contingency plan for the next two years. Under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme, urban local bodies will identify alternative water sources and prepare tanker supply plans.
In rural areas, a 90-day campaign will be launched under the Jal Jeevan Mission to review and repair piped water supply schemes.
The government will also restore ponds, wells and other traditional water bodies under Jalabhishek 2.0 and rejuvenate at least 100 water structures in every development block over the next two years.
Officials said groundwater recharge works, including check dams, stop dams, recharge shafts and farm ponds, will be taken up on a mission mode.
Canal cleaning and repairs will be completed before the Rabi season to ensure irrigation water reaches tail-end farmers.
The state will also prepare district-wise contingency crop plans, promote water-efficient farming methods, expand crop insurance coverage, strengthen satellite-based crop damage assessment, issue weather advisories through mobile messages and set up real-time water monitoring dashboards.
–IANS
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