Bengaluru, 30 Sept (H.S.): A central team will visit Karnataka on October 3 to assess drought conditions following the state government’s request for an evaluation of crop losses and the impact of deficient monsoon rainfall, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said.

Speaking on the second day of the 2026–27 Rabi conference in New Delhi, Chouhan expressed concern over worsening drought in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, Rajasthan and parts of Andhra Pradesh, particularly Rayalaseema.

He said the five states had been declared drought affected, with crop damage reported across 6.11 lakh hectares. Maharashtra has also sought a central assessment team, which the Centre will send, he added.

Chouhan attributed the weak monsoon to El Nino, a climate phenomenon involving unusual warming of waters in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. The country recorded a rainfall deficit of about 12.3 per cent towards the end of the monsoon season.

The shortage reduced overall sowing of monsoon crops by one per cent. Paddy acreage fell by 16.32 lakh hectares, while maize and cotton cultivation also declined. However, acreage under some millets, pulses and oilseeds increased.

Chouhan said he would visit affected states and remain in regular contact with their governments to coordinate assistance and protect agricultural activity.

For the coming Rabi season, the Centre will help states identify crops and seed varieties that require less water, mature quickly and suit local soil and climatic conditions.

He assured farmers of support to continue cultivation despite depleted soil moisture and lower water levels in reservoirs.

The proposed “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” will focus on protecting farmland, expanding Rabi sowing and encouraging judicious use of fertilisers and quality seeds.

Chouhan said drought conditions elsewhere would also be assessed. He would convey the Prime Minister’s message on potential benefits for farmers from various free trade agreements during his outreach to agricultural communities.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman