Agriculture Minister R. Vinoth on Thursday (August 6, 2026) said the Tamil Nadu government was fully prepared to face the severe climatic impacts of a Super El Niño. He said the District Agricultural Contingency Plans prepared by the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University for all districts had been communicated to the District Collectors, and all necessary steps had been taken to implement the recommended contingency measures in a comprehensive manner.

Presenting the Agriculture Budget in the Assembly, he said while severe climatic impacts were anticipated across the country during the current year, particularly in the Kuruvai season, 12 districts in Tamil Nadu were expected to be severely affected.

He said, in pursuit of the State government’s long-term vision of bringing 100% of the cultivated area under crop insurance, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) would be implemented during 2026-27 in 14 clusters covering all 37 districts.

The scheme would cover all notified crops during the Kuruvai, Samba, and Rabi seasons, for which ₹648.55 crore had been allocated from the State’s funds.

“This initiative will provide insurance coverage for 36 lakh acres of cultivated land, benefiting 15 lakh farmers. In addition, adequate funds will be provided to facilitate the enrolment of all eligible farmers who voluntarily join the scheme,” he said.

Food security

To ensure food security for the people of the State, the Minister said a target had been set to produce 131 lakh metric tonnes of food grains over the next five years.

“During 2026-27, the target is to produce 125 lakh metric tonnes of food grains. In addition, targets have been set to increase the production of pulses, vegetables, and fruits to achieve both self-sufficiency and nutritional security. All necessary measures will be taken to achieve these goals by implementing appropriate schemes,” he said.

Published - August 06, 2026 11:20 am IST