Archive · 29 Sep 2026
El Nino Threatens Rainfed Rabi Crops, Foodgrain Output Official Warning
India’s winter farming season may be difficult in areas that depend on rain.
Agriculture Secretary Atish Chandra said El Nino could affect rainfall.
Some places may get too much water in the soil.
Other places may not get enough rain for a long time.
Both conditions can damage crops.
Heavy and untimely rain has already hurt some irrigated farms.
The government says farming plans must be adjusted for changing weather.
A smaller harvest could affect foodgrain production.
Agriculture Secretary Atish Chandra warned that El Nino could make the upcoming rabi season difficult for rainfed areas.
He said foodgrain production could be significantly affected during the winter cropping season.
Some states may face excess soil moisture, while areas with deficient rainfall could experience prolonged crop stress.
Untimely and heavy rain has already damaged crops in some irrigated areas, Chandra said.
Rabi crops cover 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 affecting foodgrain production.
- When
- The warning was issued on September 28, before rabi sowing typically begins in October.
- Where
- Rainfed and some irrigated agricultural areas across India.
- Why
- El Nino, deficient or excessive rainfall, and rapidly changing climate conditions could damage crops.
- 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.
- Existing imports
- India continues to import pulses, oilseeds and some horticulture produce, including fruits.
