A contingency plans for 315 districts as a weak Southwest Monsoon continues to impact rainfall across the country.

The move comes after monsoon rainfall remained around 43% below normal, raising concerns over kharif sowing and water availability.

States have been advised to promote short-duration and less water-intensive crops such as pulses, millets and oilseeds in rain-fed regions. Authorities have also been directed to repair ponds, check dams and other water-harvesting structures to improve water conservation.

While we may have sufficient foodgrain stocks, officials are closely monitoring monsoon progress as delayed or patchy rainfall could affect agricultural production and rural livelihoods during the crucial sowing season.