Tripura has intensified preparations to tackle any drought-like situation despite forecasts of normal to above-normal rainfall this monsoon season. Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath said the state has received over 1,000 mm rainfall and remains fully prepared with drought-resistant seeds, irrigation support, and farmer-focused agricultural measures.
Tripura has strengthened its preparedness to tackle any potential drought-like situation even as weather forecasts indicate normal to above-normal rainfall during the ongoing monsoon season. The state government has taken proactive measures to safeguard agricultural production and ensure that farmers remain protected from any adverse impact caused by changing climatic conditions and the El Niño phenomenon.
The issue was discussed during a virtual review meeting chaired by the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare on Tuesday. The meeting focused on assessing the emerging drought situation in different parts of the country due to the impact of El Niño and reviewing preparedness measures being undertaken by states.
Tripura Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath participated in the meeting alongside agriculture ministers and senior officials from various states. During the discussion, emphasis was placed on strengthening agricultural resilience, ensuring adequate support for farmers, and preparing contingency plans to address any drought-related challenges that may arise in the coming months.
According to forecasts issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Tripura is likely to receive normal rainfall during the current season. The state has already recorded approximately 1,000 millimetres of rainfall this year, which is around 8 percent higher than the normal average.
Despite the favourable rainfall outlook, the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department has taken precautionary steps to ensure that the state remains ready for any unforeseen weather conditions. As part of its preparedness strategy, drought-tolerant crop seeds have already been distributed among farmers across different districts.
The department has also initiated measures to provide minimum irrigation support in the event of a prolonged dry spell. Officials said efforts are underway to strengthen irrigation infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted support to farmers so that agricultural activities continue without disruption.
Continuous monitoring of weather conditions and crop health is also being carried out by the department. Authorities are closely observing rainfall patterns and field-level conditions to protect farmers’ interests and maintain agricultural productivity throughout the season.
Speaking after the meeting, Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath said the Central Government had taken advance measures to address the possibility of drought conditions in different parts of the country.
“Our Central Agriculture Minister is very active and well prepared. Although our country is self-reliant in food grains such as paddy, wheat and fish, several regions may face drought due to the El Niño effect. Therefore, all agriculture ministers have been alerted and necessary preparations are being made in advance,” he said.
The minister added that the possibility of drought in Tripura remains low based on IMD assessments. He noted that forecasts indicate the southwest monsoon is likely to be above normal in the northeastern region, including Tripura.
Nath further emphasized the need to enhance Kharif crop production through timely distribution of seeds, chemical fertilizers and agricultural equipment such as sprayers. He encouraged cluster-based cultivation of paddy, oilseeds and pulses to promote community farming practices and improve productivity.
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“All irrigation facilities are being prepared for life-saving irrigation. Our government is prepared to tackle any kind of situation,” the minister stated.
With favourable rainfall forecasts, strong government preparedness and farmer-centric initiatives already in place, Tripura remains confident of maintaining agricultural stability and protecting crop production during the current monsoon season despite nationwide concerns over the impact of El Niño.
