Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Saturday, 20 June urged farmers across the state to embrace planned, science-backed agricultural methods in anticipation of below-normal monsoon rainfall linked to the El Niño phenomenon. Speaking at a state-level event in Gandhinagar, Patel asserted that Gujarat's expanding irrigation infrastructure is steadily reducing the farming community's dependence on seasonal rainfall.

PM Kisan Utsav Diwas Triggers the Call to Action

The occasion was a state-level PM Kisan Utsav Diwas held in Gandhinagar following the release of the 23rd instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme. Farmers across Gujarat watched a live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address from West Bengal, where the nationwide instalment was formally released.

What the Chief Minister Said

Patel underscored the state government's focus on water conservation, natural farming, and modern agricultural development. 'Even in low rainfall conditions, planned farming is possible with a scientific approach. Natural farming improves soil quality, maintains production capacity and increases the chances of farmers getting better market prices,' he said.

He specifically advised farmers to select low-water-consuming crops and follow scientifically advisory-based farming practices rather than reacting to seasonal uncertainty. 'Due to expected lower rainfall this year, farmers should select low-water-consuming crops and follow scientifically advisory-based farming practices instead of reacting to seasonal uncertainty,' he said.

Irrigation Infrastructure and Water Management

Patel highlighted Gujarat's transition from rain-dependent agriculture to a structured irrigation-based system, driven primarily by Narmada canal networks and systematic water distribution planning. This shift, he said, has enabled farmers in several regions to cultivate multiple crops across different seasons.

He added that irrigation management is being strengthened through effective utilisation of Narmada waters and systematic storage in lakes and reservoirs. Notably, the permissible limit for filling lakes in the Narmada command area has been raised from 3 km to 7 km to improve water availability for agriculture.

Support for Small and Marginal Farmers

Small and marginal farmers have been given expanded access to fencing schemes and support for storage infrastructure, aimed at reducing crop losses and improving market access, according to Patel.

He also pointed to progress under the 'Catch the Rain' campaign and the 'Amrit Sarovar' initiative, under which more than the targeted 75 Amrit Sarovars have been constructed in each district. Each MLA has been allocated ₹50 lakh for water conservation works, and efforts are ongoing to recharge groundwater through rainwater harvesting, he added.

Broader Context: El Niño and Indian Agriculture

El Niño events have historically suppressed monsoon rainfall over the Indian subcontinent, triggering drought-like conditions in rain-fed farming belts. Gujarat, which has invested heavily in canal-based irrigation over the past two decades, is better positioned than many states to absorb the shock — but the risk to kharif crop output remains real. The Chief Minister's appeal reflects a wider Centre and state push to prepare farmers for climate variability rather than rely solely on relief measures after the fact.