Agriculture Secretary Atish Chandra on Sunday warned that El Niño conditions could threaten sowing of the rabi crop in rainfed areas, asking states to prepare contingency plans.

Speaking at the national rabi preparedness conference, Chandra said the country had a challenging kharif season and the winter crop cycle would need close monitoring. States were told to ensure timely availability of seeds, fertilisers and irrigation support.

The rabi season, sown from October and harvested from March, covers wheat, mustard, gram and other key crops grown mainly in central and northern India. Officials said advisories would be issued to farmers in vulnerable districts.

The government tracks El Niño closely because it can weaken the winter rains that rainfed farms depend on. State agriculture departments have been asked to report their preparedness over the coming weeks. The secretary also asked states to line up adequate stocks of certified seed varieties suited to drier conditions, and to keep fertiliser supply chains ready before sowing begins in October. A follow-up review meeting is planned once states submit their preparedness reports.