India prepares contingency plans for 315 districts as monsoon falters

India is implementing contingency plans for over 300 vulnerable districts facing a potentially weak monsoon. With rains currently 43% below average and a forecast for continued weakness, the government is urging farmers to adopt short-duration, water-efficient crops. Preparations include repairing water-harvesting structures to mitigate the impact on crucial summer-sown crops and rural incomes.