India's agriculture ministry pledges aid for drought- and flood-hit farmers

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan told PTI that the government will mobilise every available resource to help farmers confronting both drought and flood conditions across several states. The ministry, together with institutions such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, has drafted district-specific contingency guidelines that advise on short-duration, low-water crops and outline interim measures if a crop fails.

Seed banks have been set up to provide alternative varieties, and advisories have been issued to state governments. Maharashtra, with 74% of its area under drought, is a focus of these efforts, and Chouhan confirmed ongoing coordination with the state. While acknowledging the seriousness of the flood situation, he expressed confidence that the support framework will mitigate the impact.