Thiruvananthapuram: Govt will take steps to establish a state-level monitoring unit involving various departments, the state disaster management authority and Nabard to coordinate measures to address the impact of climate change, including El Niño, on agriculture.The decision was taken at a ministerial meeting chaired by agriculture minister T Siddique in the capital on Monday. The meeting also decided to formulate short- and long-term plans to mitigate climate change impacts and coordinate existing funding sources for their effective utilisation.The action plan will cover water conservation, restoration of canals and ponds, water management systems, drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting and the construction of water storage wells. Measures to increase green cover in agricultural areas will also be included to retain soil moisture and reduce the impact of direct sunlight on crops.Siddique said climate change posed serious challenges to land, agriculture and crops, requiring a comprehensive response. He directed departments to coordinate their funds and resources and prepare an action plan at the earliest.District-level meetings chaired by collectors will assess climate-related challenges and formulate projects suited to local conditions. Local self-govt institutions will also prepare and implement plans at the panchayat level. Progress will be reviewed periodically at the state level.Govt will explore special measures for Kuttanad, which faces significant climate-related challenges. Siddique said further steps would be taken in consultation with the water resources and revenue ministers to formulate a dedicated mission for the region.Expressing concern over the possibility of rising temperature and water scarcity in the coming years, Siddique said the state was currently facing a 28% rainfall deficit while temperatures in some areas had risen by two degrees Celsius. He stressed the need for urgent interventions to conserve water and maintain soil moisture.Local self-govt minister K M Shaji said climate change was affecting natural ecosystems as well as agriculture. He called for stronger local body initiatives to protect natural drainage channels and restore water sources through waste management and cleaning activities.Water resources minister Mons Joseph stressed the need for better coordination among departments to improve the effectiveness of projects. He called for time-bound measures covering water conservation, flood prevention, drainage, bund protection and agricultural calendars, assuring full support from his department.Revenue minister A P Anil Kumar said long-term interventions were essential to address agricultural challenges following the 2018 floods and subsequent climate-related disasters. He stressed protecting natural waterways and water bodies, effectively utilising agricultural development funds and considering necessary legal amendments.
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