Chhattisgarh Farmers Brace for Weak Monsoon and El Niño

Chhattisgarh is now experiencing monsoon rains across more than half the state, including Raipur, though central districts still await sufficient rainfall. This arrival comes as the state anticipates strengthening El Niño conditions, which historically correlate with below-normal monsoons and agricultural stress. The delayed monsoon has impacted farm operations, with only 2% of the kharif sowing target of 48.69 lakh hectares achieved so far.

The state government is proactively implementing contingency measures. This includes a focus on drought-resilient agriculture, such as promoting short-duration crop varieties, pulses, and oilseeds. The state seed corporation plans to distribute 4.95 lakh quintals of certified seeds, with over 1.22 lakh quintals reserved for vulnerable districts. Fertiliser stocks are also being monitored.

Environmentalists warn that El Niño's impact may manifest as increased weather unpredictability rather than uniform drought. This means concentrated, intense rainfall events rather than a steady monsoon. Additionally, urban heat island effects in cities like Raipur exacerbate heat stress, posing challenges for laborers and vulnerable populations, highlighting the need to manage increasingly erratic weather patterns.