Agriculture Budget: TN Unveils Preparedness Plan for Super EL Nino Impact

CHENNAI:
The Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay-led TVK government in Tamil Nadu has stepped up measures to protect its agriculture sector from the possible impact of a super El Niño event, with forecasts indicating that 12 districts could face greater risks, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, R. Vinoth, told the State Legislative Assembly on Thursday.

Presenting the TVK government’s first Agriculture Budget for 2026-27, Vinoth said Tamil Nadu was preparing to address potential challenges posed by adverse climatic conditions through a coordinated action plan developed by the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU).

The Minister said forecasts had identified 12 districts as being particularly vulnerable to the effects associated with the super El Niño phenomenon.

The government has, therefore, intensified preparedness measures to minimise the impact on farming, agricultural production and farmers’ livelihoods.

Vinoth said the TNAU action plan would guide interventions in vulnerable areas and help farmers cope with weather-related risks.

The strategy is expected to focus on appropriate agricultural practices and measures suited to changing rainfall and temperature conditions.

Climate variability has emerged as a major concern for the farm sector, particularly as irregular rainfall, prolonged dry spells and extreme weather events can affect crop cycles, productivity and water availability.

The government’s preparedness programme is aimed at reducing such risks and ensuring that farmers receive timely assistance.

The Minister said the Agriculture Budget had been formulated after consultations with stakeholders, including farmers and others associated with the agricultural sector.

Suggestions received during the consultations were taken into consideration while preparing the government’s programmes and priorities for the financial year.

Vinoth also assured the Assembly that agricultural welfare and development schemes already in operation would continue under the new government. These programmes would be implemented alongside fresh initiatives proposed in the Agriculture Budget, ensuring continuity while expanding support for farmers.

The government’s approach, he said, would combine existing schemes with new interventions aimed at strengthening the resilience and productivity of Tamil Nadu’s agriculture sector.

The focus on climate preparedness assumes significance as farming remains particularly vulnerable to variations in the monsoon and extreme weather conditions.

By implementing TNAU’s action plan, the government aims to provide appropriate responses in vulnerable districts and help cultivators prepare for potentially difficult climatic conditions.

The Agriculture Budget is the first presented by the TVK government and outlines its priorities for protecting farmers, improving agricultural productivity and strengthening the sector’s resilience against emerging climate-related challenges.