Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 26 (IANS) Kerala will set up a state level monitoring unit to coordinate measures to protect agriculture from climate change, including the effects of El Niño, amid concerns over a 28 per cent rainfall deficit in the state.
The decision was taken at a ministerial meeting chaired by Agriculture Minister T. Siddique at the Assembly Banquet Hall here on Monday.
The proposed unit will bring together various government departments, the State Disaster Management Authority, NABARD and other agencies.
It will coordinate preventive measures and help ensure the effective use of funds available from different sources.
The government has also decided to prepare short-term and long-term plans to mitigate the impact of climate change on agriculture.
District-level and panchayat-level action plans will be drawn up to address local challenges.
Siddique said temperatures had risen by two degrees Celsius in some parts of the state, while the rainfall deficit stood at 28 per cent.
The possibility of further increases in temperature and water scarcity in the coming years was a matter of concern, he said.
The action plan will focus on protecting water sources, restoring canals and ponds, improving water-control systems, promoting drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting, and creating water-storage wells.
Measures to increase green cover in agricultural areas and retain soil moisture will also be included.
The minister called for urgent coordination between departments to protect farmland, crops and the livelihoods dependent on agriculture.
He said the available funds and resources should be used more effectively through a coordinated approach.
Special attention will be given to Kuttanad, where climate-related challenges have raised concerns over agriculture, flooding and water management.
Siddique said a special mission for the region would be considered in consultation with the Water Resources and Revenue departments.
Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph stressed the need to improve coordination between departments.
He said priority should be given to water conservation, flood prevention, drainage, protection of embankments and timely implementation of the agricultural calendar.
Local Self-Government Minister, K.M. Shaji, said local bodies would strengthen efforts to protect natural drainage channels and restore water sources.
Revenue Minister A.P. Anilkumar called for long-term measures to address agricultural challenges following the 2018 floods and subsequent climate-related disasters.
He also stressed the effective use of the Agriculture Prosperity Fund.
District Collectors will lead meetings to assess local problems and prepare suitable plans. Progress will be reviewed periodically at the state level.
–IANS
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