INDIAN EXPRESS DATED 24th June 2026.

Summary of Important News Items Editorials-379

INDIAN EXPRESS DATED 24th June 2026.

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1. Weak Monsoon and Threat to Kharif Agriculture

India is witnessing a significant rainfall deficit of about 43% during the early phase of the southwest monsoon, prompting the Agriculture Ministry to identify 315 vulnerable districts and prepare contingency plans. Of these, 111 districts with irrigation coverage below 25% have been categorised as high priority. The logic behind the government's concern is that deficient rainfall directly affects sowing, crop productivity, food prices and rural incomes. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan chaired a nationwide review and urged states to activate drought-preparedness measures. The editorial perspective highlights the growing vulnerability of Indian agriculture to climate variability and the need for resilient farming systems. The gist is that monsoon uncertainty is no longer an occasional challenge but a structural risk. Strengthening irrigation, climate-resilient seeds, crop diversification and weather-based advisories is essential for safeguarding food security and farmer livelihoods.

2. Bajra Emerges as the Preferred Crop in a Deficit Rainfall Year