India has set up contingency plans to prepare for a possible El Niño, as the likelihood of the weather pattern occurring this year has increased. El Niño is characterized by warmer than usual ocean temperatures in the Pacific, which can disrupt weather patterns across the globe.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), there is a 50% chance of El Niño occurring during the second half of 2023. This has raised concerns about the potential impact on India’s agriculture, which is heavily reliant on monsoon rains.
To mitigate the potential impact, India has established a contingency plan that includes measures such as increasing irrigation facilities, promoting drought-resistant crops, and providing financial assistance to farmers. The government has also urged state governments to prepare for possible water shortages.
India has a history of facing challenges related to climate variability, and the government has been proactive in addressing these issues. In 2019, India launched a National Action Plan on Climate Change, which includes initiatives to increase the country’s resilience to climate-related disasters.
The IMD has also been working to improve its forecasting capabilities, including the development of a dynamic model to predict the onset of monsoon rains. This has helped to provide more accurate forecasts and early warning systems for extreme weather events.
While the likelihood of El Niño occurring this year is still uncertain, it is important for India to be prepared for any potential impacts. The contingency plans put in place by the government will help to mitigate the potential damage and ensure that farmers are able to continue producing crops.
