Tamil Nadu Flags El Niño Threat, 12 Districts on High Alert as Agriculture Plan Activated

Tamil Nadu has identified 12 districts that are likely to experience a greater impact from the expected super El Niño event, prompting the state government to strengthen its preparedness measures for the agriculture sector.

Presenting the first Agriculture Budget of the TVK government in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Thursday, Agriculture Minister R. Vinoth said forecasts indicate that a dozen districts could be more vulnerable to the effects of the climate phenomenon. While the minister did not name the districts during his budget speech, he assured the House that the government has already put in place a comprehensive strategy to minimise the impact on farmers and agricultural production.

Vinoth said the state has intensified its preparations by implementing the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University's (TNAU) action plan, which has been designed to help farmers cope with changing weather conditions associated with El Niño. The plan is expected to focus on improving climate resilience, safeguarding crop production and ensuring timely support for cultivators in vulnerable regions.

The minister also highlighted that the agriculture budget was prepared after extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including farmers and experts. According to him, the government has taken their suggestions into account while framing policies and allocating resources for the sector.

He added that all the existing agriculture welfare and development schemes will continue alongside several new initiatives introduced in the budget. The government aims to strengthen the agricultural sector through a combination of continuity in ongoing programmes and fresh interventions to address emerging challenges such as climate variability.

With weather experts warning of a stronger El Niño phase, Tamil Nadu's proactive planning reflects the state's efforts to reduce risks to farming communities and ensure that agricultural activities remain resilient despite uncertain climatic conditions.