2 hrs ago
El Nino Threatens Rainfed Rabi Crops, Foodgrain Output
India’s winter farming season is expected to be difficult in areas that depend on rain.
The Agriculture Secretary said El Nino could change rainfall patterns.
Some places may get too much water in the soil.
Other places may not get enough rain for a long time.
Both problems can hurt crops.
Heavy and untimely rain has already damaged crops in some irrigated areas.
The government says farming plans must be adjusted for these changing conditions.
Lower harvests could affect foodgrain production.
Agriculture Secretary Atish Chandra warned that the upcoming rabi season could be difficult for rainfed areas because of El Nino.
He said foodgrain production could be affected significantly during the winter cropping season.
Some states may face excess soil moisture, while areas with deficient rainfall could experience prolonged crop stress.
Chandra said untimely and heavy rain has also damaged crops in some irrigated areas, highlighting the effects of climate change.
Rabi crops are usually sown across about 638 lakh hectares, including more than 300 lakh hectares for wheat.
- Who
- Agriculture Secretary Atish Chandra and farmers in India’s rainfed areas.
- What
- The upcoming rabi season may face difficult weather conditions, potentially reducing foodgrain production.
- Where
- Rainfed and some irrigated agricultural areas across India.
- When
- The warning was issued on September 28; rabi sowing generally begins in October.
- Why
- The El Nino weather pattern, deficient or excessive rainfall, and broader climate change effects could damage crops.
Key facts
- Rabi sowing period
- Sowing generally begins in October.
- Typical rabi area
- About 638 lakh hectares.
- Wheat area
- More than 300 lakh hectares.
- Pulses area
- About 140 lakh hectares.
- Oilseeds area
- About 87 lakh hectares.
- Coarse cereals area
- About 55 lakh hectares.
- Food imports noted
- India continues to import pulses, oilseeds and some horticulture produce.
Quotes
Atish Chandra
India’s Agriculture Secretary
“We are seeing that in the coming season, production is likely to be affected to a large extent. And the rabi season will also be challenging for the rainfed areas.”
theprint.in
“We used to think that we will face the challenges of climate change later. But now we see the changes happening, and they are happening at a fast pace.”
theprint.in
Sources
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