New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked the states to prepare for the emerging El Nino conditions that are likely to hit this monsoon season.
He advised states to strengthen water conservation efforts and also talked of a coordinated national effort to combat climate-related challenges that the country and the world at large was facing at the moment. He made the appeal in the 11th Governing Council Meeting of the NITI Aayog.
Climate change can pose grave risk to agriculture: PM tells states
According to a report in India Today, the PM told attendees at the meeting that climate change can pose a grave risk to agriculture, water resources and livelihoods of people across the country. This meeting was attended by representatives of all 28 states and 5 Union Territories. He told the CMs of all states that they needed to prepare for the upcoming challenges adopt sustainable resource management to deal with the changing scenario.
In the official press release issued by PIB, post the Governing Council meeting, it was specified that the PM drew attention to concerns arising from El Niño conditions and appealed to states to promote water conservation and encourage natural and organic farming practices. The PM also noted that the purchase of 11 lakh tonnes of organic manure by farmers during the current Kharif season, reflected growing confidence in sustainable agriculture.
Focusing on agriculture, the PM urged the states to identify 100 districts to bring positive results in this sector. He talked about aspirational goals and vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Taking to social media platform, ‘X’, PM Modi shared, “Chaired the 11th NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting on the theme of ‘Inclusive Human Development for Viksit Bharat@2047.’ Talked about a wide range of issues, including emphasising on self-reliance, adopting global best practices and strengthening the journey of reforms. Reiterated our commitment towards cooperative federalism, in line with our Government’s belief that the states play a vital role in furthering national progress.”
Chaired the 11th NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting on the theme of ‘Inclusive Human Development for Viksit Bharat@2047.’
Talked about a wide range of issues, including emphasising on self-reliance, adopting global best practices and strengthening the journey of reforms.… pic.twitter.com/wKPzgVKuFs
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 11, 2026
What is El Nino?
El Nino usually signifies a periodic warming of waters in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. This condition usually leads to weaker monsoon over India. This year, according to predictions, the El Nino is expected to form around mid-2026 and affect rainfall not only in India, but across the world.
This year, Japan’s meteorological department has said that temperatures across the equatorial Pacific would remain warmer than average. This would mean that El Nino conditions would develop and continue through Autumn season, bringing below average rainfall across countries in the Northern hemisphere.
In India, El Nino signifies below average rains in the monsoon season, long summers and risk of drought. This is why the PM has issued this warning and appealed to the states to prepare for weaker monsoon.
