India’s Food Inflation Risks Rising Amid Weak Monsoon

India is receiving less monsoon rain than usual.

The current shortfall is the largest since fiscal year 2016.

Stronger El Niño conditions are a main reason for the weaker monsoon.

Water stored in India’s reservoirs is also below its average level for the past 10 years.

Rainfall has not been spread evenly across the country.

This could make it harder to grow kharif and rabi crops.

Kharif crops are generally grown during the monsoon season, while rabi crops are grown afterward.

If crops and vegetables become harder to produce, their prices could stay high.

This means food inflation may remain elevated, especially for perishable foods.