Koraput: With the threat of an El Niño-induced rainfall deficit looming over the 2026-27 kharif season, Koraput district administration has drawn up a climate-resilient farming strategy aimed at reducing farmers’ dependence on water-intensive crops and improving preparedness for erratic monsoon conditions.The administration will promote mechanised direct-seeded rice, a cultivation technique that requires less water than conventional paddy farming, while encouraging farmers to diversify into climate-resilient crops such as millets, pulses and oilseeds. “Considering the possibility of below-normal rainfall, all departments must work in close coordination to promote water-efficient farming practices and ensure that farmers are equipped to minimise crop losses during the kharif season,” Koraput collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan said.Officials said the administration is focusing on ensuring that farmers receive govt assistance without delay. The collector directed the lead district manager to complete all pending e-KYC, NPCI mapping and land-seeding formalities under the PM-Kisan scheme at the earliest so that eligible beneficiaries are not deprived of financial support.To prevent shortages during the peak cultivation period, MARKFED has been instructed to maintain adequate fertiliser stocks and ensure timely supply to all Large Area Multi-Purpose Cooperative Societies across the district. The administration asked the agency to expedite groundnut procurement in Boipariguda block to provide assured market support to growers and prevent distress sales. “The objective is to strengthen farmers’ resilience through scientific cultivation practices, timely input supply and efficient implementation of welfare schemes,” Mahajan said.The district administration directed the horticulture department to complete potato sowing within a week of receiving seed stocks from Odisha State Seeds Corporation and expand mushroom cultivation by bringing more beneficiaries under the programme.