Amit Shah orders measures to avoid 'potential drought conditions' as India records a dry June

The Centre is closely monitoring the below-normal monsoon and the possibility of drought in several parts of the country, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Friday after chairing a high-level meeting to review the rainfall situation.

The meeting was attended by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and senior officials from multiple ministries and agencies. It focused on the impact of deficient rainfall linked to El Niño and reviewed measures to minimise its effect on agriculture and water resources.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), June 2026 was the fifth-driest June since rainfall records began in 1901. The country received 99.5 mm of rainfall against the normal 165.3 mm during the month, registering a deficit of about 39.8 per cent.

“The government is continuously monitoring the situation regarding below-normal rainfall and potential drought conditions in certain parts of the country due to El Nino," Shah said, directing the agriculture ministry and other central ministries to remain vigilant.

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He also asked officials to coordinate with state governments and advise farmers on suitable crops for the ongoing kharif sowing season.

According to an official statement, Shah and Chouhan “reviewed the situation regarding below-normal rainfall and its impact in certain parts of the country due to El Nino."

Shah orders measures for farmers

During the meeting, Shah stressed the importance of ensuring an adequate electricity supply for farmers, closely monitoring reservoir water levels and encouraging the cultivation of crops that require less water.

The home minister instructed the Department of Water Resources to closely track reservoir levels across the country and emphasised the cultivation of less water-intensive crops such as fodder, millets and pulses.

He also directed the Power Secretary to take necessary steps to ensure an uninterrupted and adequate supply of electricity.

The government said adequate stocks of essential food grains, including rice and wheat, are available and that prices of essential commodities remain stable despite concerns over the monsoon.

Low rainfall in India

The rainfall shortfall has already affected the progress of the ongoing kharif sowing season. As of June 25, the area under kharif cultivation stood at 182.72 lakh hectares, down 23 per cent compared with the corresponding period last year.

Central India recorded the steepest rainfall deficit in June at 50.4 per cent. The IMD has also forecast below-normal rainfall for July, raising concerns over further stress on agriculture and water resources.